banana, plantain
—
蕉 centers on the banana plant and its fruit, including plantains. The character is used specifically for these tropical plants.
Japanese fiber banana (Musa basjoo)
yellow skunk cabbage (Lysichiton americanum)
banana
traveller's tree (Ravenala madagascariensis); traveller's palm
Asian skunk cabbage (Lysichiton camtschatcense)
banana
palm-leaf fan
Indo-Pacific sailfish (Istiophorus platypterus)
Swiss cheese plant (Monstera deliciosa); split-leaf philodendron; cerimen; Mexican breadfruit; fruit salad plant
banana leaf
disciple of Basho
correct style in a haiku (like Basho's)
banana
蕉 combines the plant radical 艹 with 焦, which likely contributes the sound ショウ. The character was used for banana and plantain plants.
The grass radical 艹 sits above 焦, like a banana plant growing tall. Picture a banana tree with its large leaves spreading out from the top.
For ショウ, imagine a banana show where the fruit is the star: show -> ショウ, and the banana plant takes center stage.