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edible banana

Scientific Name: Musa acuminata

Family: Musaceae

Category: Monocot

Growth: Tree, Shrub, Subshrub

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Banana (Musa spp.)

The banana is a fruit produced by several kinds of large herbaceous flowering plants in the genus Musa. The text refers to both bananas and plantains, noting they are related.

Considerations for Pets

  • The text states that edible bananas (Musa acuminata) are non-toxic to dogs, cats, and horses.

Considerations for Children

  • The text mentions that some banana varieties produce fruit with large black seeds, making them less desirable for commercial purposes but potentially a choking hazard for young children.
  • The banana blossom (or heart) is also described as edible and used in cooking.

Scientific Name and Common Names

  • Scientific Name: Musa spp.
  • Common Names: Banana, Plantain

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Genus: Musa
  • Family: Musaceae
  • Species:
    • Musa acuminata
    • Musa balbisiana
    • Musa x paradisiaca (hybrid)
  • Synonyms
    • M. X paradisiaca L. (hybrid)

Distribution and Habitat

  • Bananas originated in the Indo-Malaysian region, reaching to northern Australia.
  • They are now grown in the tropics.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • The banana plant is described as a large herbaceous flowering plant.
  • Some varieties can grow to 10-12 feet tall.
  • It produces a banana blossom, also called a banana heart, which is an edible flower.

Edible Aspects

  • The fruit is edible, and botanically classified as a berry.
  • The banana blossom is edible.
  • Even banana peels are edible, though not commonly eaten in some regions.
  • Banana stems are one-third edible vegetation.

Ecological Role

  • Edible bananas are mostly sterile, making it difficult to introduce new genetic traits for pest and disease resistance.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Cows enjoy eating banana peels.

Quirky Facts

  • Some people consider bananas to be an "edible wearable device" because runners can eat them during events like marathons.

Further Information

  • OneLook.com (for reverse dictionary lookup on "edible banana")