Results of DNA analysis in various studies (see, for example, R.B. Figlar & H.P. Nooteboom, Blumea 49: 87-100. 2004) have supported the concept that the various genera comprising the subfamily Magnolioideae would be more consistently treated as a single genus, Magnolia. This is the treatment followed here, though it is still not universally accepted[].

Common Name: Banana Shrub

General Information

Magnolia figo is an evergreen shrub with dense, upright growth when young, eventually forming a rounded canopy; it grows around 3 - 5 metres tall and 2 - 5 metres wide[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a flavouring in tea, as a medicine and source of an essential oil. The plant is also commonly grown as an ornamental in many parts of tropical to warm temperate regions[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

E. Asia - southeast China.

Habitat

Broad-leaved evergreen forests, shady slopes and along river banks[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	5.00 m
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Magnolia figo grows in the subtropical climate of southeast China. Although not very frost-hardy, plants are known to have survived in sheltered positions outdoors in the milder regions of the temperate zone[], tolerating temperatures down to about -5°c[].
Succeeds in a humus-rich well-drained neutral to alkaline soil in direct light or partial shade[]. Requires a neutral to acid soil according to other reports[, , ].
The flowers have a smell like ripening cantaloupes or bananas. This smell can be very pleasant but can become overwhelming when these shrubs are massed together[].. This is one of the most fragrant of all shrubs with a scent strongly resembling the sweet 'pear drops'[].
Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[].

Edible Uses

The leaves are used for scenting tea[].

Medicinal

The plant (part not specified) is used medicinalluy[].

Other Uses

The banana-scented flowers are used to scent hair oil[].

Propagation

Seed - probably best sown in a lightly shaded position in a nursery seedbed as soon as it is ripe[]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out into their permanent positions when large enough.
Cuttings of greenwood[].

Add a Comment:

If you have any useful information about this plant, please leave a comment. Comments have to be approved before they are shown here.

Name:

Email(Private):

Message:

Captcha: what is lesser, 17 or 71?