Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Banana Trees that Bud, Flower, and BUNCH

Banana trees produce a large dark red bud that is filled with the small bunches of bananas. As the bud opens, or flowers, the individual petals reveal a bunch of bananas beneath. Soon these petals fall away and the small bunches grow larger. All of the buds and bunches are on a long stem, so the petals of the flower fall away, but the stem continues to droop down and grow with new petals continually forming. The stem continues to flower, and each flower provides more bananas. A couple photos just posted show the red-leafed bud and small bananas that are emerging. Another photo shows the long drooping stem with the bunches of bananas at top and the continuing flower at the tip of the stem. It is all quite interesting and fun to watch. Soon it will taste good too!