A large tropical plant; also its edible fruit, which occurs in hanging clusters, is usually yellow when ripe, and is about 6–8 in. (15–20 cm) long. The banana belongs to the family Musaceae. The banana of commerce (Musa sapientum), believed to have originated in the Asian tropics, was one of the earliest cultivated fruits. For commercial production the plant requires a tropical climate within the temperature range 50–105°F (10–40°C) and a constant supply of moisture by rainfall or irrigation. Bananas are subject to mechanical injury by strong winds which tear the leaves or blow down the plants.