Banana, Musa paradisiaca, is a type of fruit that grows on a large herbaceous plant that is native to Southeast Asia. It is one of the world's most popular and widely grown fruit, with many varieties being cultivated for both commercial and home use. Bananas are long, curved fruits with smooth, yellow, and sometimes slightly green skin. The average length of a banana is about 7 to 9 inches, and it is about 2 to 3 inches in diameter. The skin of the banana is usually yellow when it is ripe, but it can also be green, red, or purple depending on the variety.