Have you ever wondered how bananas get their unique shape? What is it that makes them curved?
Well, it’s time to find out.
Banana plants produce leaves that are developed into a pseudo-stem and produce fruit. At the beginning, bananas start growing towards the ground, but soon after, a unique process called negative geotropism takes place. During this process, bananas stop growing towards the ground and instead start turning towards the sun. The fruit grows against gravity and this is why bananas have their familiar curved shape! (the article continues after the ad)
Here’s the entire process in pictures:
A developing flower.
The flower grows towards the ground.
The tiny banana fruits can already be seen under the leaves.
Beneath each petal is a row of banana fruits.
The developing fruits. At this stage they are still growing downwards.
Negative geotropism comes into play and the bananas start to grow against gravity…
… towards the sky.
If you like what you read, then you will definitely love this one: Why Are Asian Roofs Curved?
Source: Dole
Photos: Dole
Photoshop: I’m A Useless Info Junkie
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