Today's commercial bananas are scientifically classified into the genus Musa.
Banana plants are the largest plants on earth without a woody stem. They are actually giant herbs of the same family as lilies, orchids and palms. Banana plants can grow to heights up to 9 metres and look very much like a tree. They are the largest plant on earth without a woody stem.
Some horticulturists suspect that the banana was the earth's first fruit. Banana plants have been in cultivation since the time of recorded history.
There are more than 500 varieties of banana plants in the world: The most common kinds are Dwarf Cavendish, Valery, and Williams Hybrid bananas. Other types of bananas include Apple and a small red banana called the Red Jamaica. A large type of banana called the plantain is hard and starchy and is mostly used as a vegetable in cooking.
The Cavendish is the most common variety of bananas. The Cavendish is a shorter, stubbier plant than earlier varieties. It was developed to resist plant diseases, insects and wind storms better than its predecessors. The Cavendish fruit is of medium size, has a creamier, smooth texture, and a thinner peel than earlier varieties.
More Information
