Growth and development of the banana plant3. A. The origin of the inflorescence and the development of the flowers: B. The structure and development of the fruit

In this paper, which is presented in two parts, the growth and development of the banana plant have been examined from the standpoint of the origin of the inflorescence and the development of the flowers (Part A) and the structure and development of the fruit (Part B). First the main centres of growth in these structures are located and the manner of their development is presented. Thereafter, attention is focused upon the salient events which determine the alternative courses of development with a view to designating the chemical and physiological stimuli that may be required