Red Banana Red Abyssinian Banana


Scientific Name: Ensete ventricosum (Welw.) Cheesman
Synonym: Musa ensete
Family: Musaceae
Red Banana
Red Abyssinian Banana(Ensete ventricosum)
Recommended Temperature Zone:
Sunset®: 13,15-24
USDA: 9,10

Frost Tolerance: Leaves are frost sensitive, worst case the plant will grow back from the root.

Heat Tolerance: Well adapted to Phoenix weather

Sun Exposure: Full sun or light shade

Origin: Eastern Africa

Growth Habits: Fast growing to 12-20 feet (4-6 m), the specimen on photo reached 12 feet in 1 year

Watering Needs: Needs water to grow fast

Propagation: Pups will grow only when the main plant dies after flowering

Red Banana
Red Abyssinian Banana(Ensete ventricosum)

The Ensete is sold around the Phoenix as "Red Banana". It is a very impressive banana looking plant, that grows really fast provided it gets enough water and fertilizer.
The Ensete can be readily distinguished from the fruiting bananas by the much stronger midrib.

Red Banana
Red Abyssinian Banana(Ensete ventricosum)

Blooming Habits:
After the red banana has been growing for several years, its energy is now concentrating toward the flower production. The 2nd picture shows the flower bud. The fruit look like small 1 inch long undeveloped bananas. They contain a number of small black seeds.


 

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