If we want to trace back to the source, there are only two varieties of polyploid or hybrid polyploid bananas on the market, namely, banana with pointed leaves (A) and banana (B). The different combinations between them constitute bananas and banana families.
AA diploid combination This is an ancient combination, which may come from hybridization between different subspecies. There are wild diploids, and the genetic components of cultivated species are the same as those of wild species. But some members of this family are valuable. A small pile of "imperial bananas" alone in the supermarket belongs to this family.
AB combination, a wonderful flower, exists only in India and has received little attention.
Attention, AAA triploid combination! This is the banana we usually eat, and almost all the bananas on the market belong to this family. Of course, including the famous "Cavendish", almost everything we eat.
The fruit water content of AAB triploid combination is relatively low, and it is only called "banana" by foreigners. This combination was developed in southern India.
ABB triploid combination originated from India, Philippines and New Guinea. At present, it is the staple food of the population in Southeast Asia and parts of Africa. Suitable for eating after cooking, although the genome has a little more "bananas", it is also called "banana food". It should be noted that AAB and ABB are divided into an independent group of bananas-plantains.
BBB triploid combinations are widely cultivated in Yunnan and Vietnam. According to textual research, Guangdong banana is also a member of this combination. This should be an edible banana combination in the traditional sense of our country. This combination is also divided into plantains.
So simply using genetics to classify AAA is the authentic banana, while AAB and BBB are the representatives of bananas. At present, almost all AAA combinations are cultivated in China, and it is not easy to find other combinations.
In addition, in the Flora of China, there is a scientific name called Banana, but it is certain that this is not what we usually call banana, because the seeds of this plant are 6-8 mm in size and have irregular protrusions. When you eat bananas, you get seeds the size of rice grains, which has never happened to anyone.
In fact, the word "banana" usually includes bananas and plantains in English.