In Ethiopia, a banana relative called the “false banana” because it resembles a banana but does not produce edible fruit may hold genetic clues for improving crop resilience

In the highlands of southwestern Ethiopia, a large green plant plays an important role in daily life. The outside observer may easily confuse it with a traditional banana plant, with all its thick structures and broad leaves. However, those who farm in the area would easily distinguish it from other common plants in the region. It does not produce fruit; instead, it produces a large stem and an underground corm that can be harvested year-round.

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