Musa (ABB group) 'Nam Wa Dam': The Onyx Jewel of the Banana Kingdom: A Rare Gem with Exquisite Taste and Superb Benefits
- ศรุตา แนบกลาง
- Jan 6
- 4 min read
Updated: Jan 7
When Bananas Are More Than Just Yellow
Among the 100+ banana varieties found in Thailand, if you are looking for a "rare banana" that offers both great taste and high value for collectors, the "Nam Wa Dam" (Musa (ABB) 'Nam Wa Dam') is always at the top of the list.
Many people may have seen it and mistakenly thought it was rotten or spoiled. However, its dark complexion is actually a unique and distinctive trait wonderfully created by nature.
In this article, Thai Tissue will guide you through every aspect of this banana—from its genetics to the dining table—to help you understand why this variety is truly worth growing.
• General Information
Scientific Name: Musa (ABB group) 'Nam Wa Dam'
Other Names: "Nam Wa Thong Samrit" (referring to its bronze-like dark patches).
Status: An ancient variety native to Thailand. Currently, it is becoming rare as it is less popular for commercial farming compared to other Nam Wa varieties. However, it remains significant as a conservation species and is widely appreciated for ornamental purposes.
Note: Classified in the ABB genome group, this variety shares more lineage with Musa balbisiana (Kluai Tani) than wild bananas. This genetic makeup makes it more resistant to drought and diseases compared to the AAA group (such as Cavendish bananas).
• Botanical Characteristics
Pseudostem (Trunk)
Characteristics: Strong and highly resistant to weather conditions, especially strong wind gusts.
Height: Approximately 2.5 – 5 meters.
Appearance: The outer sheath is pale green, featuring distinct dark blotches or broad black bands. This is a prominent characteristic, while the inner sheath remains pale green.
Leaves
Leaf Sheath: Pale green with black bands across the front or narrow petiole canals. The midrib is green.
Underside: Appears creamy or chalky with a waxy coating.
Flowers (Blossom)
Bud: The banana blossom is reddish-purple. It curls upward with a blunt tip.
Color: The underside of the bracts is deep red.
Bunch, Fruit, and Hands
Yield: Each bunch contains about 5 – 10 hands, with 10 – 17 fingers (fruits) per hand.
Fruit Shape: Angular with a relatively thick peel.
Unique Ripening Characteristics
The most distinctive feature of "Nam Wa Dam," setting it apart from other varieties, is the dramatic color change of its peel during ripening:
Young Fruit: As the fruit grows, the peel turns from reddish-brown to dark brown, resembling rust or even appearing spoiled. The skin develops a "crackled" pattern, giving it a truly exotic and unique look.
Ripe Fruit: The dark brown color turns completely black, clearly indicating that the fruit is fully ripe.
Flesh: Once peeled, the ripe flesh is creamy white with a bright yellow core.
Taste & Texture: Sweet, aromatic, and firmer than standard Nam Wa bananas. Some describe the flavor as similar to sun-dried bananas, which is another signature trait of this variety.
Benefits and Properties
Beyond its ornamental beauty, Nam Wa Dam offers interesting benefits:
1. Nutritional & Culinary Uses
It can be eaten fresh or cooked in various dessert menus, such as Kluai Buat Chi (Banana in Coconut Milk) or fried banana.
Due to its firm texture that doesn't get mushy easily, it is the best choice for making desserts.
It retains high nutritional value, similar to other Nam Wa varieties.
2. Traditional Medicinal Properties
In ancient Thai medicine, Nam Wa Dam was believed to offer several health benefits:
Energy Booster: Traditional healers used it as an ingredient in tonics for both men and women.
Elixir of Life: Believed to have anti-aging properties.
Fatigue Relief: Helps nourish the body and reduces fatigue from work.
How to use: Dried and mixed with honey, consumed morning and bedtime.
Planting and Propagation
Propagation: Commonly done using suckers (shoot separation).
Spacing: Approximately 4x4 meters to allow full growth.
Planting Pit: Recommended size is 50x50x50 cm. Line the bottom with manure or organic fertilizer to boost nutrients for the young plant.
Environment: Requires full sunlight for optimal growth. The plant is sturdy and wind-resistant.
Advanced Cultivation Tips
Site Selection: Since it thrives in Full Sun, choose an area that receives sunlight all day. This ensures healthy growth and develops beautiful skin coloration.
Soil Conditions: Although hardy, it grows best in sandy loam soil with good drainage. Avoid waterlogging, as it can cause root rot.
Sucker Management: Nam Wa Dam typically produces fewer suckers. Keep no more than 2-3 suckers per mother plant to prevent nutrient competition and ensure high-quality bunches.
Disease Prevention: Despite its Balbisiana genetics (disease resistance), you should still monitor for Sigatoka Leaf Spot and Fusarium Wilt, common issues in ABB bananas. Prune and burn dried leaves to reduce pathogen accumulation.
Conclusion
The "Nam Wa Dam" is a truly fascinating ancient Thai banana variety. It stands out with its beautiful, sturdy trunk and exotic fruit appearance—specifically the peel that turns completely black upon ripening, a unique trait unlike any other species.
Beyond its distinctive look, it offers high nutritional value and properties rooted in ancient Thai medicine. Growing Nam Wa Dam allows you to enjoy its beauty and sweet flavor while playing a vital role in preserving this ancient Thai species for future generations.
Thai Tissue Culture International is ready to deliver premium-grade, export-standard "Nam Wa Dam" tissue culture plantlets. You can own this rare variety today!
For in-depth inquiries or to place an order, chat with our experts now!
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