Musa paradisiaca is the scientific (binomial) name of which commonly cultivated plant species?

Introduction / Context:
Scientific names or binomial names are used worldwide to uniquely identify species and avoid confusion caused by common names. Many competitive exams test knowledge of some important scientific names of familiar plants and animals. This question asks which plant is correctly identified by the scientific name Musa paradisiaca.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The scientific name Musa paradisiaca is given.
• The options include mango, wheat, corn, and banana plants.
• We assume basic knowledge of plant taxonomy for common crops.

Concept / Approach:
Musa is the genus that includes banana and plantain species. Species in this genus are large herbaceous plants with pseudostems and large leaves, producing banana bunches. Musa paradisiaca is traditionally used as a scientific name for plantain or banana, depending on classification. Mango belongs to the genus Mangifera, wheat to the genus Triticum, and corn or maize to the genus Zea. Therefore, Musa paradisiaca is correctly matched with the banana plant.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Botany textbooks and agricultural references list Musa species as the botanical group for bananas and plantains. Banana cultivation guides frequently mention Musa paradisiaca and related names as scientific identifications. By contrast, commercial and scientific literature on mango, wheat, and maize always use the genera Mangifera, Triticum, and Zea respectively. This confirms that Musa paradisiaca is linked specifically with banana plants.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Mango is wrong because its correct scientific name is Mangifera indica.
• Wheat is wrong because it belongs to the genus Triticum, not Musa.
• Corn or maize is wrong because it is classified as Zea mays and is a grass, not a Musa plant.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes memorise only parts of scientific names or confuse them between crops. To avoid this, it helps to group names by genus: Musa for bananas, Triticum for wheat, Oryza for rice, Zea for maize, and Mangifera for mango. Recognising the genus alone is often enough to answer multiple choice questions correctly.

Final Answer:
Banana plant that produces edible banana fruits