Full Sun
Moderate care
Light watering
Tender
10b
USDA zone
2°C
Minimum temperature
Expected size
Height | Spread | |
|---|---|---|
6m | Max | 4m |
2m | Min | 1m |
Flowering
spring
summer
autumn
winter
This plant has no fragrance
More images of False Banana
False Banana Overview
Contains around 8 evergreen perennials, including the false banana - Ensete ventricosum. This genus is one of only two in the Musaceae family that superficially resemble banana plants. It is the closest relative of the genus Musa, which contains true bananas and plantains. Mainly grown for the foliage which comprises large paddle-shaped leaves which are produced from a pseudostem composed of old leaf bases. The impressive flowers are hanging and cup-shaped, with large modified leaves (bracts) around them. These become fruits, which are banana-like in appearance only - tasting dry and unappetising.
Common problems with False Banana
How to propagate False Banana
Seed
Germination erratic
Division
Division year-round.
Special features of False Banana
Attractive flowers
Attractive leaves
Other uses of False Banana
Grown for their foliage (which resembles that of bananas) and fruits.