Musa x paradisiaca

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Taxonomy (2)

Classification: Angiosperm, monocot
Family: Musaceae
Common name: Banana

General Information (2,3)

Region of Origin: Southeast Asia
USDA Plants Hardiness Zones: 8-11
Growth Habit: Herb

  • Size: 6-7 feet 
  • Flowering: Late summer
  • Fruiting: March-April

Diagnostic Characteristics

Leaves (2)

  • Other: Bright green, very large

Petiole (2,3)

  • Color: Green
  • Texture: Fleshy

Flower (2)

  • Color: Bright pink

Fruit (2)

  • Color: Green to yellow
  • Other: no seeds

Horticultural Information (2,3)

  • Light: Full sun
  • pH: 5.5-6.5
  • Maintenance: Easy to care for
  • Landscape Uses: Ornamental
  • Other: Avoid cold, dry, windy areas

Interesting Facts (1,3)

  • The banana plant is a source of fiber for high quality textile. The banana fibers are used in the production of banana paper.
  • Bananas are one of the FDA’s top twenty fruits.
  • Plants are sterile

References

1) Blueshade. (2004, October). Wikipedia. Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Banana
2) Christman, S. (May, 1997 06). Musa x paradisiaca. Retrieved from http://www.floridata.com/ref/M/musa.cfmi8uy
3) Taylor, T. Greenearth Publishing Co. Retrieved from http://www.bananaplants.net/banananinfo.html

Prepared by Courtney Sayre as a course requirement for BIOL 3630/5630, Spring 2013
Edited by Jessica Bartek