A tall herbaceous plant , with aerial pseudo stem . Leaves oblong , large , narrowed towards ends , thick midrib and pinnately parallel leaves with long spreading petiole cover one on another forming the pseudo stem . Inflorescence a terminal spike , with flowers grouped in clusters , each cluster subtended by a large brightly coloured spathaceous bract , lower cluster female and upper male . Sepals and 2 petals connate in to a 3-5 lobed tube split down one side . Stamens 5 . Fruit oblong , trigonous , curved berry , yellow when ripe

English - Banana

Hindi - Kela

Malayalam - Vazha

Tamil - Kadali valai

Kannada - Kadali

* Tender leaves are useful for scabies , inflammations , ophthalmopathy , blisters and burns .

* The inflorescence axis (stem) is very specific for renal stone

* Root decotion is useful in kapha , biliousness , menstrual disorders , diseases of the blood , diabetes insipidus and leprosy .

* Ripe fruit is eaten for leprosy , thirst , bronchitis , consumption , burning

sensations , vaginal and urinary discharges , urinary concretions .

* Dried leaf or stem or whole plant ash is used for acidity , heart burn , colic and intestinal worms