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Musa x paradisiaca is often confused with:
Musa acuminata Large banana plant.
Plants that fill a similar niche:
Cucurbita maxima Cucurbita maxima
Fragaria x ananassa Close up of flower
Musa acuminata Large banana plant.

Cooking Banana Musa x paradisiaca

Previously known as:

  • Musa paradisiaca
  • Musa sapientum
Phonetic Spelling
MOO-sah par-ah-dee-see-AH-ka
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 "of the paradise or of the pleasure garden."

 

A hybrid between M. acuminata and M. balbisiana.  While this species does include some dessert bananas, it mostly contains cultivars of starchy cooking bananas and plantains.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#edible plant#showy fruits#tropical herbaceous perennial#herbaceous perennial#hybrids#edible fruits#non-toxic for horses#non-toxic for dogs#non-toxic for cats#tropical
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#edible plant#showy fruits#tropical herbaceous perennial#herbaceous perennial#hybrids#edible fruits#non-toxic for horses#non-toxic for dogs#non-toxic for cats#tropical
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Musa
    Species:
    x paradisiaca
    Family:
    Musaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Malesia
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Edible
    Herbaceous Perennial
    Houseplant
  • 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
    Fruit Value To Gardener:
    Edible
    Fruit Type:
    Berry
    Fruit Length:
    > 3 inches
    Fruit Width:
    1-3 inches
    Fruit Description:
    An elongated fruit with a thick peel. Tends to be starchier than more commonly known bananas.
  • Leaves:
    Hairs Present:
    No
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No