'BADILA'
Status: Held in Collections
Background Information: 'Badila' is a famous cultivar that was transported around the New World in the early plantation days, grown in sugar plantations in the Caribbean, the Philippines, Mauritius, Brazil, and elsewhere. It appears to have been introduced to Hawai‘i in the early 1920s, very late in terms of the industry and past its peak globally. By this point in time commercial hybrids had become the planting standard. Therefore, although there is recorded production of 'Badila' from several plantations, it was never grown significantly in Hawai‘i. As one of the original, highly prized Noble Canes, the 'Badila' variety is mentioned here as an ancestor to many modern commercial hybrids, and one of the standards for growth stature.
Identifying Characteristics: Stalks very dark purple. Internodes barrel shaped with prominent leaf scar, inconspicuous bud furrow, and only 2–3 rows of eyes. Growth is short, erect, and compact with long and broad leaves. Sheath heavily coated in wax and sparsely hairy. 'Badila' may be confused with ‘Māikoiko,' but can be distinguished by lack of hairs on leaf scar and small pointed auricle.