Our bananas proved to be plantains.  Here they are at their peak in August.

Here is a different view of them at the end of September with a pink yardstick to help gauge their height.  As estimated here, the tallest plantain is currently 24 feet tall.  In September the plantains grow more slowly, because the amount of light has gone down, due to shortening days, and  decreased angle of the sun. 

Another view 

The plantains are are very slow to ripen.  It can take longer than a month for the green plantains to turn yellow, then black after the clump falls over, or is cut off of the tree.

They started to ripen three days ago.

Day one of ripening: just a few.

Day two of ripening: a few more.

Day three of ripening:  even more.

In a few days, when more are very dark, we will be able to make plantain bread!