Ensete ventricosum aka Red Banana Red Abyssinian Banana

Taxonomy

Genus Ensete Family Musaceae Order Zingiberales Class Liliopsida Phylum Tracheophyta
Ensete ventricosum, also known as enset or ensete, is an herbaceous species of flowering plant in the banana family Musaceae. It is commonly referred to as the Ethiopian banana, Abyssinian banana, pseudo-banana, false banana, and wild banana. The plant is native to the eastern edge of the Great African Plateau, extending northwards from South Africa through Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania to Ethiopia, and west to the Congo. It is found in high-rainfall forests on mountains, and along forested ravines and streams. Ensete ventricosum is a fast-growing, evergreen perennial that typically grows to 12-20' tall, but may reach 30-40' tall in its native tropical habitat. The huge paddle-shaped leaves are bright olive green with prominent midribs, and sheathing leafstalks form a trunk-like structure. White flowers in inflorescences appear somewhat hidden in summer on mature plants, while banana-like fruits are dry and inedible. The domesticated form of the plant is cultivated only in Ethiopia, where it provides the staple food for approximately 20 million people. Ensete ventricosum was first published in the Kew Bulletin in 1947, and its synonyms include Musa arnoldiana De Wild., Musa ventricosa Welw., and Musa ensete J. F. Gmelin. Maurelii is a red-leaved cultivar in the Musaceae family, named for J. Maurel who drew attention from the French in Ethiopia to the plant. It is best grown in full sun with some shade in the hotter portion of the day, and is ideal for courtyards, atriums, and walled gardens.

Common names

Red Banana Red Abyssinian Banana, Abyssinian Banana, Ensete

How to care for Red Banana Red Abyssinian Banana

Difficulty

Red Banana Red Abyssinian Banana requires a bit more attention and knowledge to thrive, making it a suitable plant for those with some gardening experience.

Water

Red Banana Red Abyssinian Banana should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Red Banana Red Abyssinian Banana loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Red Banana Red Abyssinian Banana requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Red Banana Red Abyssinian Banana will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Dormancy

During the cold period, it is common for Red Banana Red Abyssinian Banana to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more during this period.

Toxicity

Ploi does not possess verified information regarding the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event that you, a member of your family, or a pet ingests plant material with an unclear toxicity level, it is highly recommended to seek the advice of a medical professional.

Growth-pattern

New growth will sprout from the top of the plant as it grows upwards.

Region of origin

Red Banana Red Abyssinian Banana’s native range is N. Africa - Ethiopia.

More info:
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More Species in Ensete Genus

Ensete glaucum Snow Banana

Ensete ventricosum Red Banana Red Abyssinian Banana