Michelia figo (Banana Shrub)
Botanical Information
| Family | Magnoliaceae |
| Genus | Michelia |
| Species | figo |
| Synonyms | Michelia fuscata. |
| Category | Woody |
| Type | Shrub (evergreen) |
| Origin | Eastern Asia and southern China. |
Details
| USDA Hardiness Zone | 7 - 10 |
| USDA Hardiness Ref. | |
| Canadian Hardiness Zone | 8 |
| Canada Hardiness Ref. | |
| RHS Hardiness Zone | H2 - H5 |
| RHS Hardiness Ref. | |
| Temperature (°C) | -12.2 - 1.7 |
| Temperature (°F) | 10 - 35 |
| Height | 2 - 6 m |
| Spread | 2 - 5 m |
| Growth | Medium |
| Flowering Period | April, May, June, July |
Description and Growing Information
| General Description | Prefers a site exposed to full sun to part-shade, and tends to become more open in form when planted in shade. |
| Propagation | From softwood cuttings |
| Pests | Scale insect might pose a problem.. |
| Notable Specimens | Bok Tower Gardens, Lake Wales, Florida, United States of America. |
| Habitat | Broad-leaved evergreen forests, shady slopes and along river banks |
| Leaf Description | The glossy green leaves of Michelia figo are oblong, 7 - 12 cm long, and persist throughout the year. |
| Flower Description | The creamy yellow blossoms, with banana scent, are up to 4 cm across. |
| Fruit Description | Small red follicular fruit form after the flowers are pollinated. |
Photographs
Michelia figo, form. Bok Tower Gardens, Lake Wales, Florida, United States of America.
Michelia figo, leaf. Bok Tower Gardens, Lake Wales, Florida, United States of America.