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Musella lasiocarpa is a banana relative that comes from
high altitudes, to frosty 2800 meters in the Yunnan,
province in China. Local names for the plant translate as
"yellow lotus emerge from the earth" or "yellow
lotus of the earth mother". The maximum height of
the plant is only about 4-5 feet tall.
This rare, hardy Chinese banana is grown for its bright
yellow, long-lasting upright flowers, which may last up
to 9 months; very showy. The flower appears in its second
year, and grows upright at the top of the trunk. It does
produce outstanding grey-green banana foliage and it does
not produce a fruit.
Hardiness zones 7-10 (-15°C/5°F,1°C/35°F) in Winter.
This banana has a greater tolerance for colder climates.
It will flourish in all climates from cool tropical down
to temperate, where it will be found to be root hardy,
enduring even cold Winters with its underground rhizome.
Somewhat slow growth habit makes it ideal for smaller
locations or indoors in colder zones. Musella appreciates
soil that is fertile, well drained and rich in organic
material. Provide heavy watering, feeding and a
place in full sun to partial shade.
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