A ‘Thousand Fingers’ of compassion: Ng Hong Chai’s unique banana tree

Ng Hong Chai primarily worked on prawn research before retiring, but over the past four years, he has discovered a new passion – gardening.

Also known as Ng Tang Hong, he said his scientific background as an aquaculturist – someone who manages the cultivation of aquatic organisms such as fish, shellfish and algae – has given him a unique perspective on plant care. He quickly realised that many principles used in aquaculture could be applied to his new hobby.

At his house in Subang Jaya, Ng grows chillies, herbs and various plants. He has also planted papaya, rambutan and mango trees in the common area outside his home for his neighbours to enjoy.

Recently, he has been getting envious looks for his ‘special’ banana tree.

“This is the first time I’ve come across this variety. I didn’t know its name or origin, but I’m so happy with it,” said Ng.

“A friend told me about this special tree. Some said it came from the Amazon. I waited three months to get it and planted it on Sept 6 last year.

“It started flowering on the ninth day of the Chinese New Year (Feb 6) and needs another month to mature.”

Ng’s tree is believed to be belalai gajah or more commonly known as pisang berbuah seribu or pisang seribu – Malay for ‘Thousand Fingers Banana’ – named for the sheer number of bananas in each bunch.

Known by its scientific name Musa chiliocarpa, this variety can grow up to three metres long, significantly larger than most banana varieties, whose bunches rarely touch the ground.

Due to its unique ‘thousand fingers’ feature, the banana is often used for ceremonial events. However, its taste is said to be similar to pisang raja – from the plantain family – and is considered a dessert banana, suitable for eating fresh.

Not all the fruit of the ‘Thousand Fingers Banana’ is edible. Only the larger ones found at the top of the bunch are suitable for consumption.

Ng believes the tree would be the perfect gift for the Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Che Huan Khor Moral Uplifting Society, in honour of Quan Yin, the Buddhist bodhisattva of compassion, often depicted with a thousand arms and eyes.

“If it is a ‘Thousand Fingers Banana’, then I made the right decision to donate it to Che Huan Khor, which is an education centre that helps Malaysians of all races and religions, and provides scholarships,” said Ng, who is involved in the society’s green project and has already donated several pots of plants and herbs.

“I also plan to plant some fruit trees and will donate the ‘special banana tree’ by the end of July.”

He added that Che Huan Khor has 200 branches around the world and, besides education, also hosts activities for the elderly and health-related programmes.

Ng hopes to grow more ‘Thousand Fingers’ trees, as he has kept the suckers (young plants).

Throughout his career, he focused mainly on prawn research, especially on the udang galah (giant freshwater prawn or Macrobrachium rosenbergii).

“That is also what sparked my interest in gardening – to see if I can cultivate better plants,” said Ng, who turns 76 on Nov 11.

“Pottering around my garden and helping out at Che Huan Khor keeps me busy.

“My three grandchildren also take up some of my time,” added the father of four.

Ng thanked his wife, Chen Foong Liang, for her support, which he said motivates him to keep doing good.

As the time to part with his ‘special bananas’ approaches, Ng plans to continue his gardening hobby and bring joy to his family and neighbours.