MONOCOTYLEDONS 281 



There are many varieties of bananas; but the Martinique, 

 with large yellow fruit, is the one most extensively culti- 

 vated. The chief banana-producing regions are the West 

 Indies and Central America; but bananas are grown also 

 in Florida, Louisiana, and California. 



The pineapple is developed by a low plant producing a 

 tuft of stiff, sword-shaped leaves, in the center of which a 

 single pineapple arises (Fig. 277). It is a native of tropical 



FIG. 277. A pineapple plant. From Dictionary of Gardening. 



America, and our supply comes chiefly from the West 

 Indies, Bahama Islands, and Florida. The nature of this 

 peculiar fruit has been described ( 143). 



