More than you want to know about bananas. For specific answer to your question (might also be in graylady’s site ^^) read the middle section on Botanical description. And think about apple, cherry, pear, plum, peach blossoms and then ensuing fruit.
I talked to a banana grower in Hawaii. He said that the trees grow up and produce bananas in 100 days. Then they die. I thought this was fascinating…although I do not know if it is true. I took him at his word.
I did not have time to read the first replies. Perhaps you can tell me if I am right about this.
Yes. It starts by growing upwards and then the weight of the banana or plantain causes it to point downwards. I didn’t have time to read most of my link, either. Right now I have other things to focus on besides the botany of bananas.