Contrary to popular belief, bananas do not grow on trees. Although the banana plant is often referred to as a banana tree, it is actually an herb and not technically a tree due to its lack of woody fibers.
The banana plant is likely misclassified as a tree due to its size – it can reach heights of 25 feet (7.62 m) with leaves that are approximately 9 feet (2.74 m). Bananas fruits grow on plant stems in large clusters of up to 400 bananas per cluster, and can weigh over 100 pounds (45.36 kg).
The plant dates back to the 6th century BC, and the roots of any given banana plant may be hundreds of years old.
More about bananas:
- The average person in the US eats 27 pounds (12.25 kg) of bananas each year, or more than apples and oranges combined.
- Eating just one banana provides a person with approximately 10% of their daily optimal fiber intake.
- Women who eat four to six bananas each week reduce their risk factor for kidney cancer by 50%, according to a 2005 Swedish research study.