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Ensete ventricosum 'Maurelii' (Red banana, Abyssinian banana, Ethiopian banana)

Photo/Illustration: Michelle Gervais

(Based on 1 user review)

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Botanical Name: Ensete ventricosum 'Maurelii' en-SET-ay ven-trih-KOE-sum

Common Name: Red banana, Abyssinian banana, Ethiopian banana Synonyms: Musa arnoldiana, Musa ensete Genus: Ensete

This banana-like perennial has large paddle-shaped leaves, which range in color from deep claret brown to red-purple to pale green, produced from the center of the plant, with thick midribs bright red beneath. White flowers are borne in inflorescences 3 to 4 feet long. Fruits are banana-like but dry and unpalatable.
Noteworthy characteristics: Large reddish leaves. Reaches 20 feet or more.
Care: Native to the tropical and subtropical forests of Africa, bananas are large herbaceous plants that die back in winter in frosty areas. Grow outdoors in rich soil in a sheltered area. Lift plants before first frost, cut back long roots, and reduce top-growth to the newest 2 or 3 leaves.
Propagation: Sow seed in spring after soaking in tepid water for 24 hours. Germination is erratic.
Problems: Spider mites and aphids may be problems, especially under glass.

Overview
User Reviews
Photos

Height	Over 30 ft.
Spread	10 ft. to 15 ft.
Growth Habit	Clumps
Light	Full Sun to Part Shade
Moisture	Medium Moisture
Maintenance	Moderate
Characteristics	Showy Foliage
Bloom Time	Early Summer; Late Summer; Summer
Foliage Color	Colorful/Burgundy Foliage
Flower Color	White Flower
Uses	Specimen Plant/ Focal Point
Seasonal Interest	Summer Interest
Type	Perennials

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posted by rebkev
4/8/2008
Region: West
Zone: 10

gorgeous, bold, deep. a great focal plant - mine's combined with Richard Wallace canna, a pale yellow Sunray brugmansia and the shooting-star form of red anigozanthos. I hope to add some japanese forest grass to the mix soon.

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