Here I go, contradicting myself again...
I always defend fruit trees! even ones I despise!!
But the banana does add a very beautiful tropical look...and in areas where they aren't marginally adapted, they make more sense to grow.
It always provides something to look at, and look forward to, producing new leaves all the time.
The fruits are one of the most popular in the world, and the most delicious!
and the best reason to grow them...Store bought bananas are absolute trash compared to homegrown treasures!
But I'd rather be growing a tree with a trunk (wood) and bark...call me old fashioned!
Bananas need too much help, at least near me!
but I have deep respect for banana growers, and a love for eating the fruits fresh of the pseudostem.
The foliage give the yard a more tropical look, super easy to grow, no maintenance needed. That's why I have around 6-8 different varieties growing, and there are 5 fruiting stalks right now. They look ugly in the winter with torn leaves, but are now sprouting new leaves.