The banana is an edible fruit – botanically a berry – produced by several kinds of large herbaceous flowering plants in the genus Musa. source
The banana is an edible fruit – botanically a berry – produced by several kinds of large herbaceous flowering plants in the genus Musa.
In some countries, bananas used for cooking may be called plantains, in contrast to dessert bananas. source
In some countries, bananas used for cooking may be called plantains, in contrast to dessert bananas.
Musa (banana) species are native to tropical Indomalaya and Australia, and are likely to have been first domesticated in Papua New Guinea. source
Musa (banana) species are native to tropical Indomalaya and Australia, and are likely to have been first domesticated in Papua New Guinea.
They are grown in 135 countries, primarily for their fruit, and to a lesser extent to make fiber, banana wine and banana beer and as ornamental plants. source
They are grown in 135 countries, primarily for their fruit, and to a lesser extent to make fiber, banana wine and banana beer and as ornamental plants.
Worldwide, there is no sharp distinction between "bananas" and "plantains". source
Worldwide, there is no sharp distinction between "bananas" and "plantains".
Especially in the Americas and Europe, "banana" usually refers to soft, sweet, dessert bananas. source
Especially in the Americas and Europe, "banana" usually refers to soft, sweet, dessert bananas.
By contrast, Musa cultivars with firmer, starchier fruit are called "plantains". source
By contrast, Musa cultivars with firmer, starchier fruit are called "plantains".
Both genera are classified under the banana family, Musaceae. source
Both genera are classified under the banana family, Musaceae.
The banana plant is the largest herbaceous flowering plant source
The banana plant is the largest herbaceous flowering plant
All the above-ground parts of a banana plant grow from a structure usually called a "corm". source
All the above-ground parts of a banana plant grow from a structure usually called a "corm".
The banana fruits develop from the banana heart, in a large hanging cluster, made up of tiers (called "hands"), with up to 20 fruit to a tier. source
The banana fruits develop from the banana heart, in a large hanging cluster, made up of tiers (called "hands"), with up to 20 fruit to a tier.
The vast majority of the world's bananas today are cultivated for family consumption or for sale on local markets. source
The vast majority of the world's bananas today are cultivated for family consumption or for sale on local markets.
Export bananas are picked green, and ripen in special rooms upon arrival in the destination country. source
Export bananas are picked green, and ripen in special rooms upon arrival in the destination country.
With the arrival of black sigatoka, banana production in eastern Africa fell by over 40%. source
With the arrival of black sigatoka, banana production in eastern Africa fell by over 40%.
Banana bacterial wilt (BBW) is a bacterial disease caused by Xanthomonas campestris pv. source
Banana bacterial wilt (BBW) is a bacterial disease caused by Xanthomonas campestris pv.