[pygy_]

Offshoots are non-artificial clones. They are genetically identical to the main stem... It's just the same plant.

[mathattack]

I'm impressed with the bananaknowledge here. Is there a limited amount of times you can do this?

[jurjenh]

I don't think there's a limit, as its part of the natural growth pattern of bananas. Some other species have similar habits - I believe there's an entire forest that is one plant - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pando_(tree)