Do bananas grow on trees? My oh so clever friend insists they are actually grown on shrubs, not trees.

lilbuggie07

HOW DO BANANA PLANTS GROW? Most people assume that bananas grow on trees, but this is not true. Bananas actually grow on plants that are giant herbs. These herbs are related to the lily and orchid family. Banana plants are perennial plants that produce fruit for many years. The plants are among the world's largest plants without woody stems. The plant’s gigantic leaves can reach up to 30 feet in length and the stems can weigh up to 100 pounds. http://www.dole5aday.com/FoodService/Fun/Characters/F_Banana.jsp?topmenu=2 [Added reference link - McG] Oct 19 07, 1:01 PM

boghat

Bananas grow on plants. "Banana is the common name for herbaceous plants of the genus Musa, and is also the name given to the fruit of these plants. They are native to the tropical region of Southeast Asia, the Malay Archipelago, and Australia. Today, they are cultivated throughout the Tropics. Banana plants are of the family Musaceae. They are cultivated primarily for their fruit, and to a lesser extent for the production of fibre and as ornamental plants. Because of their size and structure, banana plants are often mistaken for trees." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Banana http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Musa_%28genus%29 Oct 19 07, 1:04 PM