Most cultivated banana trees reproduce asexually, by vegetative propagation, from its rhizome, which is a type of underground stem, with horizontal growth, and which usually develops sheets. The set of several of these leaves forms what popularly, at first sight, we call the banana stalk.
Each “stem” is capable of forming bunches of flowers that, without fertilization of their ovaries, form bananas, gathered in a bunch. Thus, this fruit is classified as parthenocarpic; and those little black dots we find inside are unfertilized eggs, not seeds, as some people believe.
The advantage of these plants developing in this way, in addition to the absence of seeds in bananas, is that they grow and bear fruit more quickly. The disadvantage is that, as they are identical to the mother plant, if it has any anomaly, they will also have it...
Now that you already know some peculiarities of this plant, let's go to one more curiosity: do you know why this fruit ripens so quickly?
The answer is this: bananas release a plant hormone called ethylene. This gas is responsible for accelerating the ripening of the fruit. Thus, if we leave many bananas together, or if we place this fruit, still unripe, in a closed container; they will ripen quickly, due to the action of ethylene. In this regard, a curiosity is that the silver banana is the one that ripens more easily, precisely because of the high release of this vegetable hormone after its harvest.
Do not stop now... There's more after the advertising ;)
Bananas are rich in carbohydrates, minerals and vitamins; and has low lipids. Its composition makes it a very healthy food, capable of:
- Prevent depression, as it has tryptophan, capable of stimulating the production of serotonin;
- Regulate blood glucose, thanks to vitamin B6;
- Prevent anemia, because it contains iron;
- Reduce the risk of spillage, and high blood pressure, as it contains potassium;
- Regulate the intestine, thanks to its fibers and lipids.
- Relieve heartburn and nausea, acting as a natural antacid.
In addition, for many alternative medicine practitioners, its peel can be applied directly to the skin, to accelerate the healing of bruises, mosquito bites, and for the elimination of warts. This part of the banana can also be used in cooking, for the manufacture of sweets, cakes, breads and savory foods.
Interesting, isn't it?
Mariana Araguaia
Graduated in Biology
Brazil School Team
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Banana
Curiosities - Brazil School
Would you like to reference this text in a school or academic work? Look:
ARAGUAIA, Mariana. "Fun Facts About Bananas"; Brazil School. Available in: https://brasilescola.uol.com.br/curiosidades/onde-fica-a-semente-da-banana.htm. Accessed on June 27, 2021.
