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Banana Plant Musa acuminata

Phonetic Spelling
MOO-sah ah-kew-min-AY-tuh
Description

This herbaceous perennial is a member of the banana family (Musaceae). The genus name is derived from the Arabic name for the fruit, mauz. The species epithet means "acuminate or coming to a sharp point."

More commonly known as the banana, this species encompasses both wild and cultivated banana plants.  The most well-known banana is the Cavendish, the large yellow banana commonly found in grocery stores.  The sweet, creamy fruit continues to ripen after harvest, turning from green and starchy to black-spotted yellow and sweet.

VIDEO Created by Laura Barth for "Vegetables, Herbs, Fruits, and Nuts", a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.

Profile Video:
See this plant in the following landscape:
Dry Stream Bed Garden in Cabarrus County
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • Cavendish subgroup
    A number of cultivars from the triploid AAA cultivar group; most well known banana
Cavendish subgroup
Tags:
#edible plant#showy fruits#herbaceous perennial#edible fruits#non-toxic for horses#non-toxic for dogs#non-toxic for cats#vhfn#vhfn-f
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • Cavendish subgroup
    A number of cultivars from the triploid AAA cultivar group; most well known banana
Cavendish subgroup
Tags:
#edible plant#showy fruits#herbaceous perennial#edible fruits#non-toxic for horses#non-toxic for dogs#non-toxic for cats#vhfn#vhfn-f
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Musa
    Species:
    acuminata
    Family:
    Musaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Southeast Asia
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Edible
    Herbaceous Perennial
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    10a, 10b, 11a, 11b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Color:
    Black
    Brown/Copper
    Gold/Yellow
    Green
    Red/Burgundy
    Fruit Value To Gardener:
    Edible
    Showy
    Fruit Type:
    Berry
    Fruit Length:
    > 3 inches
    Fruit Width:
    1-3 inches
    Fruit Description:
    An elongated, peelable fruit with creamy flesh. Many commercial cultivars are often bred to be seedless.
  • Leaves:
    Hairs Present:
    No
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No