Musaceae

Musaceae is a tropical plant family in the order Zingiberales that includes three genera: Musa, Ensete, and Musella. It encompasses the banana and plantain crops of Musa, the starchy foods of Ensete, and the small ornamental Musella species.

Plants in Musaceae are herbaceous perennials with large, pleated leaves arranged around a pseudostem formed by leaf bases. They typically grow to several meters in height. The inflorescence emerges from the center of the plant beneath the leaf crown and carries numerous small flowers protected by colorful bracts. In many cultivated Musa, the fruits are parthenocarpic and seedless, forming the familiar banana or plantain bunches.

Musa is the most diverse genus and contains the edible bananas and plantains widely cultivated for food. Ensete includes Ensete ventricosum, known as the Ethiopian banana or false banana, which is an important starchy food source in parts of Africa. Musella lasiocarpa, the Chinese dwarf banana, is a less common ornamental species.

Musaceae is native to tropical regions of Asia, the Indian subcontinent, and Africa, and has been widely introduced throughout tropical and subtropical areas for cultivation. They require warm temperatures, high humidity, and well-drained soils. Beyond food, the family is valued for its ornamental foliage in some settings.

Conservation and agricultural challenges include pests and diseases, notably Fusarium wilt (Panama disease) caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense, which threatens several Musa cultivars. Breeding for resistance and maintaining genetic diversity are priorities in managing crop resilience.