Musa acuminata (Banana)

Musa acuminata (Banana) clusters of green fruit attached to a central stalk with large leaves

Botanical name: Musa acuminata

Common names: Banana, Cavendish Banana

Family: Musaceae

Origin: Southern Asia

USDA Zone: 10-11

Cold tolerance: 30°F

Plant type: Fruit

Fruit type: Banana

Plant form: Large bush

Mature height: 5-10 ft

Cold tolerance: Frost sensitive. Protect from freezing.

Watering: Regular; moderate

Flower color: Unusual color

Suitable for: Outdoors in the suitable USDA zone; small gardens, containers, and indoor growing

Wildlife: Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds

Musa acuminata is one of the earliest plants to be domesticated by humans for agriculture. Many of the modern edible dessert bananas are derived from this species.

Musa acuminata is a tropical banana species known for its lush, broad green leaves and fast growth. It forms a tall, upright pseudostem that can reach 10 to 20 feet in height, creating a dramatic presence in the garden. The plant produces large, pendulous flower spikes with overlapping purple-red bracts that reveal rows of creamy-yellow flowers inside. These are followed by elongated, curved fruits bananas that are typically seedless, edible, and vary in size and sweetness depending on the cultivar. Musa acuminata thrives in full sun with rich, well-draining soil and regular watering. It prefers warm, humid conditions and should be protected from strong winds and cold. Ideal for USDA zones 9 11, it can also be grown in containers in cooler climates and overwintered indoors.