This banana-like perennial has large paddle-shaped leaves that range in color from deep claret brown to red-purple to pale green, produced from the center of the plant, with thick, bright red midribs beneath. White flowers are borne in inflorescences 3 to 4 feet long. Fruits are banana-like but dry and unpalatable.

CareNative to the tropical and subtropical forests of Africa, bananas are large herbaceous plants that die back in winter in frosty areas. Grow outdoors in rich soil in a sheltered area. Lift plants before first frost, cut back long roots, and reduce top-growth to the newest two or three leaves.




Abyssinian Banana