Musella lasiocarpa aka Golden Lotus Banana

Musella lasiocarpa is a small banana in the Musaceae family. Its native range spans parts of China and northern Vietnam. In China, it grows in western and southern Yunnan and southern Guizhou. It comes from a subtropical climate. Garden names include Chinese yellow banana. The RHS lists it under the synonym Musa lasiocarpa. It is a herbaceous perennial, rather than a woody tree.

This dwarf banana grows upright and sends up suckers. Its trunk has a cone shape. Large, bright green leaves give it a bold outline. The RHS classes its foliage as evergreen. Garden plants reach about 3.3–4.9 feet (1–1.5 metres) tall. Their spread reaches about 1.6–3.3 feet (0.5–1 metre). The RHS gives a maturity range of ten to twenty years. Its small size suits containers as well as sheltered beds.

Yellow flowers form rounded displays with a waxy look. Missouri Botanical Garden gives the bloom season as June to September. The RHS notes that flowers can last for several months. These long displays add interest alongside the large leaves. The RHS says this banana does not produce fruit. It is grown for its leaves and flowers, not a fruit crop. Neither source provides evidence for edible parts or safety when eaten.

Give it sun or part shade and shelter from exposure. It needs rich soil that drains well but stays moist. The RHS lists clay, loam, sand, and chalk as suitable soils. It also accepts acid, neutral, and alkaline conditions. Missouri Botanical Garden rates its water needs as medium. The hardiness guidance differs between the two garden sources. Missouri Botanical Garden lists USDA zones 7–10. The RHS assigns H2 and calls for a frost-free site. In Britain's mildest areas, it may survive outside with protection.

Use it as a bold foliage plant near patios or entrances. Groups can combine plants in flower with others showing leaves. Both sources describe few serious disease problems. The RHS lists aphids, glasshouse red spider mites, and mealybugs as possible pests. Routine pruning is not needed, though dead leaves can be removed. Plants can be cut back in autumn if preferred. Propagate by seed or by dividing the plant.