Are banana plants or air plants safe for parrots?

[Julianna]

Does anyone know if air plants (tillandsia) or banana plants (musa) are ok for parrots? I've looked on a lot of different lists but neither of them are listed anywhere as being toxic or non-toxic. I'd really like to have these plants in the bird room, but I couldn't find any information on them. Thanks!

 

[Remy]

I would guess that banana is PROBABLY safe. There is a species of plantain that grows as a weed in the US, which was originally imported to be farmed and eaten as greens (I read it in a foraging book, haha). If it's related to this, then I would test it on myself first, and then feed to the birdies if I don't get sick.

I googled the plant I was looking for, and I came across an article claiming that this also works miracles for bee stings! I wish I had known that growing up! Here is the article; the picture in it gets much larger if you click on it. I'm not sure if this helps or not, but its' a neat tidbit. Natural remedy for insect stings « View from the Hive

If you can find the latin name, it might be of more help.

 

[Julianna]

Thanks for your help! I guess I'll consider the banana plant safe.