In Case You Were Wondering...

A couple of days ago someone posted this question for me on Facebook: "I was hoping you could explain to me how bananas grow. I am fascinated by their ability to split into thirds." Well, I thought you might like to know too, as it is a bit interesting.

Before a banana becomes a full grown fruit, the ovary (what will become the fruit) is divided into three carpels (fancy word for 'sections'). There is a thin membrane that divides the carpels, and the membrane remains in a mature, edible fruit. This is why a banana divides into three distinct sections.