Abyssinian / Ethiopian banana (Ensete ventricosum)

The Abyssinian banana (Ensete ventricosum) is a species of herbaceous plants in the family Musaceae. This close relative of the banana plants of the genus Musa is native to many areas of western, southern, and eastern Africa.

This false banana is cultivated in Ethiopia for its edible root, which is a staple food there and can reach 40 kilograms, and widely grown worldwide for its ornamental qualities.

The Abyssinian banana is a large banana plant, without basal shoots, capable of reaching 6 to 10 meters in height or more under optimal conditions. It is very interesting for its ornamental qualities and its rapid growth rate. A seed germinated in spring can produce a plant nearly 1.50 m tall within a single summer.

In terms of cold resistance, it is a relatively frost-sensitive banana, but can withstand light frosts of around -4 to -6 °C approximately.

How to grow it according to your region?

• In a pot (balcony, terrace, indoors): Use a large heavy pot with a layer of clay pellets at the bottom for drainage. Use a rich potting soil (Mediterranean plant type). Take it outside in the warm season and bring it indoors as soon as autumn arrives.
• In the ground: Possible only in regions with very mild climates (Mediterranean zone). Elsewhere, it is planted in spring as an annual or must be dug up in autumn.