Musa acuminata commonly known as the banana plant, is a valuable and versatile plant for Bay Area landscapes. It is widely planted for its lush, tropical foliage and the delicious fruit it bears. Large, elongated, and paddle-shaped, leaves with a glossy texture can grow 9′ long and 2′ wide. The dramatic leaves emanate from a trunk-like structure called a pseudostem, which is formed by the tightly packed leaf bases. This thick trunk can be green or reddish in color. It performs best in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. It requires consistent moisture, especially during the growing season in well-draining, fertile soil rich in organic matter. In late summer, clusters of elongated, curved, and delicious tasting fruits appear which turn yellow when ripe.