The mature pseudostem (319) is white, fleshy, subcylindrical
or subfusiform, straight and erect, with a length of
20–50 cm and a width of 2–6 cm. The pseudostem supports
the plant, transports water and nutrients and stores
carbohydrate. The pseudostem is divided into underground
and overground stem. An underground stem
adheres to subterraneous roots, whereas an overground
stem is surrounded by spirally arranged leaves. The stem
has a growing point at the top and can constantly grow
leaves at the vegetative growth stage and form inflorescence
at the reproductive growth stage. The thickness of
the pseudostem indicates the growth of the plant; thus,
cultivating thick and strong pseudostems indicates a high
yield for the following year.