Ensete Bruce ex Horan. is a rhizomatous genus of 8 species in the Musaceae family native to tropical Africa and Asia. It is related to true Bananas (Musa).
Ensete lasiocarpum (Franch.) Cheesman see Musella lasiocarpa(Franch.) H.W.Li. This species has been in this genus and in Musa, but in 2025 is included in Musella as a monotypic species.
Ensete ventricosum (Welw.) Cheesman 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.
