Keith's Banana Tree

At 98 years old, Keith Peters, a resident in Independent Housing, is growing something you don’t see every day in Indiana—a banana tree.

It all started with a gift from his son, a professor at Purdue University in West Lafayette. Keith planted the small yearling in his yard and has been caring for banana trees ever since.

Keith's Indiana banana tree (photo by Eugenia Mills)

Each fall, when the first frost hits, Keith carefully digs up the tree and sends it back to West Lafayette for safekeeping. Then, come spring, it returns and gets replanted in his yard. On its third year, the tree starts showing off with beautiful purple blooms, where bananas begin to grow. While the Indiana weather doesn’t allow the fruit to ripen all the way, the process is still rewarding.

Keith waters the tree every day, making sure all those tiny roots stay happy and healthy. After three years, the tree gets replaced with a new pup it produces, and the cycle begins again. He’s been doing this for seven years now, and his tropical tree always brings smiles from neighbors and passersby. Hummingbirds and honey bees also enjoy the tree’s blossoms.

But the banana tree isn’t the only special plant Keith cares for. He also tends to a goldenrod and a burley tobacco plant, often playfully nicknamed “Kentucky cactus.” These plants add a splash of color and character to his yard, and just like the banana tree, they do great with Keith looking after them. 

Keith Peters and his banana tree