Banana is a giant herbaceous perennial. Hawaii’s first introduction was by way of canoe with the Polynesian settlers. Arising from underground rhizomes is a pseudostem made up of leaf sheaths. Ten to 12 months after planting, a thick and drooping stem emerges from which flowers and fruit are born. Bananas sucker freely after they become established.
- Sometimes grown for their foliage as they invoke a tropical ambiance
- Fruit is consumed ripe, green, fresh, cooked, boiled, etc.
- Leaves can be used for wrapping food, disposable plates, cigarette papers, and thatching