BANANA 'Abyssinian' --Ensete ventricosum--

This massive banana, whose trunk can reach nearly a meter (3 ft.) in diameter, is a real botanical curiosity. The Abyssinian Banana is unbelievably fast growing, and the undersides of the leaf midribs of its huge leaves are a vivid crimson red. Native to the highlands of eastern Africa between 1500 and 3000 m, it prefers mild climates without extremes of temperature. It is very adaptable but does not like hot, humid, tropical conditions or temperatures much below freezing. It can be used as a summer bedding plant in cooler climates, otherwise, plant it straight into the ground in a sunny spot, and stand back.Cultural RequirementsSun Exposure Full sun from early ageLight shade when youngFrost Tolerance LightWater Requirements HighWind Tolerance LowAppearanceGrowth Rate Very fastGrowth Form Palmlike TreeHerbaceous TreeOrnamental Value BeautifulUsesProperties ColorfulDeciduousEvergreenFloweringGardening OrnamentalPottedFood/Medicinal Flour/StarchMedicinalVegetableAgriculture/Forestry Forage/FodderProducts/Economic Fiber