Do Bananas Grow on Trees or Bushes?

By Staff WriterLast Updated March 30, 2020

Bananas do not grow on trees or bushes; bananas actually grow on a herb. The banana is the world’s largest herb, although it is commonly referred to as a banana tree. The genus name of the banana tree is musa, which is part of the Musaceae family.

Banana plants can range in height from a 1-foot tall truly tiny variety to the Cuban red, which grows up to 25 feet tall. They are not classified as trees since they have no woody parts. The banana is classified as a berry, and though formed in late summer, bananas do not ripen fully until March.