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Genus Ensete

Ensete Ensete ventricosum 'Maurellii' Photo/Illustration: Michelle Gervais
en-SET-ay
These evergreen perennials from tropical Africa and Asia look like banana plants in both fruit and form. Leaves are large and shaped like paddles. The trunk is formed from old leaf stalks. Clusters of pendent, cup-shaped flowers are followed by dry, largely inedible fruit. Use in a container plunged into the garden, as a specimen where hardy, or in a greenhouse.
 Noteworthy characteristics: Evergreen, large leaves. Fruits resemble bananas.
 Care: Where hardy, grow in full sun or partial shade in an organically rich soil. Overwinter indoors in areas with frost. In the greenhouse, provide full light with protection from hot sun, ample water, and good ventilation.
 Propagation: Soak seed in warm water for 24 hours and then sow in spring at 64-70°F.
 Problems: Watch for spider mites and aphids, especially indoors.

Species, varieties and cultivars for genus Ensete

Ensete ventricosum 'Maurelii' Ensete ventricosum 'Maurelii'
(Red banana, Abyssinian banana, Ethiopian banana) (1 user review)
Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

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.