Banana
Musa spp.
Also known as
Plantain, Manila hemp
Starr 080716-9301 Musa velutina by Forest & Kim Starr (CC BY 3.0)
Full Sun
Moderate care
Moderate watering
Tender
10b-12b
USDA zone
2°C
Minimum temperature
Expected size
Height | Spread | |
---|---|---|
4m | Max | 4m |
1m | Min | 1m |
Fruiting
-
spring
-
summer
-
autumn
-
winter
More images of Banana
Banana Overview
Musa is a genus of around 40 of evergreen perennial species in the Musaceae family, commonly known as Bananas. They spread by suckering, and are characterised by their large paddle-shaped leaves that form a false (pseudo) stem. Tubular flowers are produced alongside broad, coloured bracts in pendant spikes, later developing to cylindrical fruits. Although they can grow as high as trees, Musa species are not woody and are technically giant herbs. The most familiar species in cultivation are bananas, grown for their edible fruits, but ornamental varieties are also popular in gardens where they need winter protection in colder regions. Most plants in this genus are tender and won't cope well with freezing temperatures.
Common problems with Banana
How to propagate Banana
Suckers
Seed
Division
Special features of Banana
Attractive flowers
Attractive fruits
Other uses of Banana
Grown for their foliage, flowers and fruits (bananas), not all of which are edible.