I've been researching zone 5 hardy tropicals with an eye towards
trying to grow some within the next couple of years. I still have a lot
to research but I have a few questions that some of you pioneers may be
able to answer.
1) Bamboo - Does anyone know if the physical characteristics of the
Canebrake Bamboo (Arundinaria gigantiea) compare with those of, say
Phyllostachys nuda? In particular, I am thinking about both use as
structural rods and the edibility of the shoots.
2) Banana - The winter-hardy banana from Japan (Musa basjoo) is listed
everywhere as producing inedible fruit. Is this inedible inedible or is
this banana inedible but maybe plantain edible. Also, does the fruit
(even if inedible) mature in zone 5-6? I wonder in terms of possible
cross-pollination with a more edible species and selecting from
seedlings (not that I know anything about breeding bananas).
3) Oranges - Ponicirus trifoliata is listed as having fruit that is
inedible (bitter, I assume) or lemon-like. What are people's experiences
out there? Is it worth growing as a lemon substitute? Does the fruit
mature in sone 5? Does anyone have experience with any of the other
winter-hardy hybrids out there?
4) Palms - A number of palm species appear to be moderately
winter-hardy. Does anyone have any experience with the fruit? The
descriptions that I've read suggest that the flesh is thin but
potentially edible.
I'm sure that many other questions will occur to me over the next
year or two but these are important for deciding where I want to direct
my attention. Thanks.