Ensete ventricosum

Ensete Ventricosum

The Abyssinian Banana (Ensete Ventricosum) originates from the mountainous regions of Ethiopia which gives it more tolerance to the cold than most of the other bananas. Available in traditional green (Ensete Ventricosum) or with a rather reddish tinge to the foliage (Ensete Ventricosum �Maurelii�), the leaves are burned back when touched by frost, but the plant will remain in good condition down to about 2 deg C.

Both plants grow large very quickly ultimately capable of reaching 12 metres in height given the right conditions (although a more usual height in the UK will be around 3-4 metres) making them ideal landscaping plants. The Abyssinian Banana can be grown in a large pot or tub, but for optimum development will need at least an 18 inch plus tub. The Abyssinian Banana is a non suckering plant which means that it can only be obtained either by raising from seed obtained either by raising from seed or by purchase from a garden centre or nursery.