Banana Plant is the largest herbaceous flowering plant. The main part from which it grows is the corm. They are very tall and sturdy. They can grow in different types of soils. However, they need at least two feet depth with good drainage. they are fast growing plants with large leaves.
When the plant is mature, it will stop producing leaves and begins to form the flower spike. After fruiting, the main stem is dead but the offshoots are developed at the base. This ensures that there are plenty of banana plants and it becomes perennial.
The most beautiful aspect of this plant is that it is a perennial and every part of it can be used.
The banana fruit develops from the stem in a large cluster. It has a huge stem with several banana bunches on it. Typically it can go upto 9 hands/tiers with each one having around 20 fruits. At the fag end of the huge stem holding the fruits is the banana flower.
Corm is the main part which produces further corms which can be cut and replanted once the shoots appear. This is done so that the plant gets more space to grow. The stem, leaves, fruit and flower can be used for various purposes.
The stem has a soft portion inside which is used as a vegetable. The outer part of the stem is like a bubble wrap and it can be used as a fibre for textiles as well as for paper. It is also used to make pickles.
Raw banana can be used as a vegetable. Ripe banana can be eaten directly. In both cases, the peel is not used. Being high in nutrients, peels are used for livestock and for compost.
The entire sub-stem with the fruits are cut when the banana flower is mature. But even prior to this, raw banana can be cut off separately and used.
Leaves are used both as a plate for eating as well for wrapping food. When food needs to be wrapped for carrying outside, the leaf is dried out slightly so that it does not tear. Banana leaf is also used for wrapping food while steaming/grilling. When food is wrapped in a banana leaf, it adds to the flavour of the dish.
Banana flower is used as a vegetable, too. The outer parts are removed, they come out like a peel. Inside each portion, there are bunch of small blossoms. Each blossom needs to be opened and the tough white stem-like structure needs to be removed. The rest can be cut. As you keep peeling, there will be a fleshy part with no flowers. This can be directly cut and mixed with the flowers while making the vegetable.
Culturally, in India, it has a lot of significance. It is used in all functions. At the entrance, two big banana trees which has flowered is kept tied to both sides of the entrance. This is supposed to be very auspicious. It is also used in temples. During special festivals in the temples, the entrance is decorated in the same fashion. It is considered to be a symbol of abundance and growth.
Banana fruits are considered to be an auspicious offering in temples and festivals. Banana trunks are often used to carry the idols during festivals.
Traditional remedies in India and several parts of the world use parts of the banana plant.
An amazing ancient plant!
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