The banana is not a tree. In fact it is considered an herb in the Musaceae family. The early bananas contained seeds, but now plantations cultivate seedless varieties. To grow a new banana plant, they must be propagated by division of large rootstock or rhizomes. The division must be planted in a suitable climate, preferably with temperatures of eighty degrees Fahrenheit and need 3.5 inches of rain per month. The soil must provide high drainage or the rootstock will rot. Under proper conditions these rootstocks will give rise to shoots, reaching a mature height of approximately 30 feet in 9-10 months. Flowers will then give rise to bananas. The new bananas will appear to be growing upsidedown due to a scientific phenomenon called negative geotropism. At first the will grow in the more realistic downward direction, like most people would expect, but as the get larger they will turn around. After approximately three months the bananas will be ready to enjoy.

Nutritional Value

Bananas are highly recommend by doctors whose patients have low levels of potassium. One large banana will contain as much as 600 mg of potassium. Three bananas will provide a person with half the recommended daily value. A banana contains approximately the following amounts:

Calories: 140 g
Protein: 4 g
Fiber: 2 g
Sodium: 2 mg
A banana also contains Vitamins A,B,C, magnesium, iron and zinc.

The banana is considered on of the healthiest fruits.