Ensete is a rhizomatous genus of 8 species in the Musaceae family native to tropical Africa and Asia. It is related to true Bananas (Musa). This genus now includes the genus Musella.
Ensete lasiocarpum (syn. Musella lasiocarpa) is native to the western and southwestern Yunnan and southern Guizhou provinces of China to northern Vietnam. Because of the far northern range of the species, it can withstand a little bit of frost and can be grown in USDA zone 9 with protection. It can also be grown outdoors in the Bay Area, although it is much slower and care should be taken to keep the plant from frosty nights. The photos below were taken by Nhu Nguyen from the Missouri Botanical Garden where it grows outside in the summer in a pot in very bright sun for much of the day. Photo 6 shows the fruit that self-dehisced, revealing the banana-like character.
Ensete ventricosum is found in southern Africa where it grows in high rainfall forests, forested ravines and along streams. It is a tall plant (6 to 12 meters) with a head of banana-like leaves and does not flower and bear fruit until it is about eight years old and after that it dies. It requires protection from heavy frost, fertile soil, warmth, and lots of water to grow well. Photo below by Nicholas Wightman of a plant growing in Lilayi, Zambia.
