Epicuticular waxes, which are removed by conventional dehydration techniques, were present when observing fresh hydrated peel, cryopreserved peel and dental impression/epoxy resin replicas of the banana fruit ( Musa sapientum). In all cases the replica technique gave accurate reproductions of the surface with the advantages of speedy preparation and non-destructive sampling. In addition, the replica technique, when compared with fresh samples, provided specimens which were durable with no time constraint. The replica technique is recommended for specimens which are difficult to observe and susceptible to collapse.