Plantain and banana are two fruits that are very similar to each other and, perhaps for this reason, there is confusion when determining their origin. Therefore, on this occasion we want to talk to you about the differences between plantain and banana.
In fact, it must first be clear that the banana is not the tree that produces bananas, but a totally different species. Bananas, which are so nutritious, come from the banana tree, which is not really a tree but rather a herbaceous plant.
Banana characteristics
Platanus x hispanica or shade plantain is a hybrid species which results from the crossing between the eastern banana and the western banana. It is a highly appreciated tree in the urban environment because its leafy crown offers a good amount of shade.
Among its most notable physical characteristics we can mention the following:
- Impressive height. Although it is not common for it to grow so much in cities, this species can reach up to 30 meters in height.
- Cortex. The bark of the plantain tree peels off in thin layers as the tree ages. Leaving a pattern of different colors and textures visible that makes it even more beautiful.
- Leaves. The leaves of this tree are large, palmate in shape and with lobed edges. With an appearance that reminds us to some extent of an outstretched hand. It is precisely the shape of its leaves that gives it a great capacity to provide shade.
- Resistance against contamination. A peculiarity of this species is that it is very tolerant of atmospheric pollution. Hence it is one of the most common trees in urban environments.
- fast growth Another reason why it is so present in cities is because it grows very quickly. This makes it very useful in landscaping projects where you need to obtain plant coverage quickly.
- Resistance to pests and diseases. Along with its resistance to contamination, it is worth highlighting its toughness against diseases and pests. It is not immune, but it can hold up very well in case of infection or infestation.
Despite what its name indicates, the shade plantain is not included in the category of fruit trees. It does not generate any type of fruit, it is a plant species that It is mainly used to clean the air in cities and provide shade.
Banana characteristics
It is clear that one of the main differences between plantain and banana is its ability to bear fruit. But, to make it even clearer, let's see the characteristics of this tree:
- It's not a tree. The banana or banana tree belongs to the genus Musa and, like the banana tree, it is not exactly a tree but rather a herbaceous plant. Its structure is formed through a large, fleshy pseudostem (there is no trunk as such) that arises from an underground rhizome.
- Leaves. Its leaves are large and fan-shaped. They are organized in a spiral around the pseudostem and can measure several meters in length.
- Fruits. Its main characteristic is that it produces a fruit known as banana, which is very popular worldwide.
- Lifecycle. The pseudostem dies once the fruits have ripened, but this is a perennial plant that will re-emerge through underground rhizomes.
Main differences between plantain and banana
Now that we know each of these varieties better, we can further analyze the differences between them.
Habitat
The banana grows well in warm and humid climates, given its tropical origin. Although it can survive in a wide variety of soils, its fruit production It will be more abundant if it has a good amount of nutrients at its disposal.
Meanwhile, the shade plane is a very adaptable tree. It can resist both cold and heat. For this reason, it is present in a large number of cities around the world with very different climates.
Production:
The banana produces bananas through its pseudostems, but The banana has no capacity to bear fruit. What it does have is a high pollinating capacity and, therefore, it has become a conflictive species for those who are allergic to pollen.
Resistance
The banana is a perennial plant that produces new pseudostems as the ones it already has die at the end of the fruit's ripening. Therefore, It is a perennial variety although we do not always see its stems.
In the case of the banana, this is a deciduous tree, which loses its foliage during the fall and sprouts again when good weather arrives. Its life cycle is very long and It can live up to 300 years.
Similarities and differences between banana and plantain
As we said at the beginning of this article, It is common to think that the banana is the tree from which bananas come. Hence, plantains and bananas are often compared, when they are species that have nothing in common.
For this reason, we find it interesting to end by highlighting the similarities and differences between the banana and the plantain.
Similarities between banana and plantain
- Same family. Both herbaceous plants are varieties of the Musa, so they belong to the same family.
- Fruits. Both varieties produce fruit.
- Tropical origin. Both varieties have a tropical origin and grow well in warm, humid climates.
Differences between banana and plantain
- Size. In general terms, the banana pseudostem is usually larger than the one produced by the banana tree.
- Palms The banana palm is shorter than the banana palm.
- Fruits. Although similar, plantain and banana are different fruits. It slightly changes its flavor and also some of its nutritional components.
We can find as many differences between plantain and banana as we want, because they are two totally different species from each other. On the other hand, differentiating between a banana and a banana tree is more complicated, because they are two very similar plants and from the same family.