Today I planted a Popoulu plantain. Bananas play a huge role on the farm. We’re very lucky that they grow like weeds here with very little effort. It is an essential regenerative resource for permaculture in the tropics. When you cut one down three more will pop up and grow into full size within a year.
The trunks are used to build up our compost piles, and we also use them as borders to keep weeds and grasses out. The leaves are great to cover the ground around trees and in the duck pen. A thick mat of it will suppress weeds and hold a lot moisture in the soil. Bananas are fast establishing windbreaks and shade to protect delicate plants. Everything will break down into beautiful black compost in 5 months.
When you work with bananas you eventually gain a lot of experience using a machete. You learn how to sharpen them well so that you can make nice clean cuts with one swing. Very satisfying.
The fruits are merely a bonus, and when theres a lot to harvest we happily share them with friends and neighbors.
Originally posted on 2021-04-05, part of the daily planting journal behind Ha’a Chocolate’s food forest on Hawai’i Island.