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Taiwan is near the northern limit of distribution of Musaceae. To understand the genetics and extent of genetic diversity in wild bananas in Taiwan, artificial hybrids between Musa itinerans var. formosana and M. balbisiana Colla, here named Musa × formobisiana H.-L. Chiu, C.-T. Shii & T.-Y.A. Yang hybrid nov., were produced. Photos and a comparison of the characteristics of Musa × formobisiana with the parent species are provided. Voucher specimens are at the Herbarium, National Museum of Natural Science, Taiwan (TNM). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Notes on taxonomic identity and history of M. rubra are provided and lectotype is designated here. Detailed description, photographs and illustration are provided for easy identification. M. laterita is treated as conspecific to M. rubra. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Another new variety of Musa itinerans Cheesman in Taiwan is described. The morphological characteristics of the variety are otherwise similar to those of var. formosana (Warb. ex Schum.) Häkkinen & C.-L.Yeh. The principal distinction is based on the length and bending of inflorescence, and the compactness of fruit hands. The inflorescence rachis of the new variety is longer than the other two varieties, and first upwardly slanting, then curving downwards, finally pendent in the male flower regions. The fruit hands grow very compactly and apex of fruit remains distinguished floral relicts. These characteristics are stable at their habitat and Taiwan Agricultural Research Institute (TARI) repository over study periods. This population is herein segregated as the new variety, M. itinerans var. chiumei H.-L. Chiu, C.-T. Shii & T.-Y.A. Yang. Photos for the varietal taxon as well as the key to all variation of Musa itinerans and Taiwanese wild bananas are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Musa mannii Baker var. namdangensis Gogoi & Borah a new variety of Musa L. sect. Musa is described and illustrated from Changlang district, Arunachal Pradesh, India based on observed morphological characteristics in the field. Distribution, habitat and key to the taxa are provided herewith. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study Musa indandamanensis L. J. Singh is described and illustrated as a new species from Little Andaman, the Bay Islands, India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the publication of Musa ochracea by Shepherd in 1964, based on a specimen from an unknown locality, this taxon has not been collected from the wild. Here Musa ochracea is rediscovered after a lapse of about half a century from North-East India. Detailed description, illustration, photographs, distribution and ecological details are provided. IUCN conservation status based on the field study is also provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]