Banana

The translation of the Qur’ānic term talḥ is still disputed, but according to some authorities it could refer to the banana.

Known as moz in Arabic, the banana was cultivated in Africa at least 2,500 years ago. By the tenth century AD in the Middle East it was known as a fruit that was harvested unripe and hung in cellars to ripen.

Painted from specimens found in Maungatapere, Northland, New Zealand.

Grows at Kew in the Palm House.

Completed painting size: 62 x 105cm

Main hand of bananas and immature natural size, dissection of flower x 2