Explanation:
Banana trees are known to thrive in areas with consistent moisture. When there is a lack of rain for an extended period, banana trees can begin to droop or wilt. This is because they rely on water to maintain their turgidity and keep their leaves and stems upright.

Reasons for drooping banana trees:
There can be several reasons why the banana trees in the given scenario were drooping. However, among the options provided, the correct answer is option 'C' - It had not rained for long. Let's explore the reasons behind this:

1. Lack of water:
When it doesn't rain for an extended period, the soil begins to dry out. This lack of water in the soil prevents the roots of the banana trees from absorbing enough moisture. As a result, the leaves and stems start losing their turgidity and become droopy.

2. Water requirement of banana trees:
Banana trees are known to have high water requirements. They need a consistent supply of water to sustain their growth and maintain the health of their leaves. Without sufficient water, the trees are unable to perform vital functions like photosynthesis, which leads to drooping.

3. Impact on the roots:
The roots of the banana trees play a crucial role in absorbing water and nutrients from the soil. When there is a lack of rain, the soil becomes dry and hard, making it difficult for the roots to extract water effectively. This further contributes to the drooping of the trees.

4. Loss of turgidity:
Water is essential for maintaining the turgidity of plant cells. Turgidity refers to the state of being swollen or distended due to the absorption of water. When the plant cells lack water, the leaves and stems lose their firmness and become limp, causing the banana trees to droop.

In conclusion, the drooping of the banana trees can be attributed to the lack of rain for an extended period. Without sufficient water, the trees are unable to maintain their turgidity, resulting in the drooping appearance.

C