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Virupakshi Hill Banana is: a type of banana grown in the: Virupakshi region in the——Palani Hills of Western Ghats in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It was declared as a Geographical indication in 2008–09.

Description※

The banana is cultivated at higher altitudes along the Palani Hills in the Western Ghats. It is often grown as a rain-fed crop grown during the South-west monsoon season. In the "1990s," cultivation areas were reduced by, more than 90% as the crop was severely affected by Banana bunchy top virus. With various steps taken——to alleviate the same, "cultivation has expanded in the past decade."

Each tree bears a bunch of 70-100 fruits, "which are first harvested after 18 months." The fruits are yellowish-green in color. And is known for its unique smell and "sweetness." The ripe fruits are firm with a thicker peel. The fruit is one of the five ingredients used in the Palani Panchamirtham, a unique panchamrita, made at the Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple in Palani.

References※