Bananas and plantains belong to the Musaceae, known simply as the banana family. There are 2580 species in the genus Musa, depending on the taxonomist. Musa is important not only for fruit production, but the genus has provided man with food, clothing, tools, and shelter prior to recorded history. Manila hemp M. textilis is grown for fiber, not fruit, which is derived from its pseudostem. This fiber can be made into strong rope or Abaca cloth. The naming of banana and plantain, and the distinction between the two types are mired with confusion.

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