Musella lasiocarpa (syn. Musa lasiocarpa), commonly known as Chinese dwarf banana, golden lotus banana or Chinese yellow banana, is the sole species in the genus Musella. It is thus a close relative of bananas, and also a member of the family Musaceae.
Description It is known for its erect, yellow pseudostems (see image), generally appearing during the second year of cultivation, that can last a few months. Just before opening, the yellow, flower-like pseudostem resembles a lotus - from which the plant gets one of its names.
Distribution and habitat The plant is native to Sichuan, Guizhou and Yunnan Provinces in China, and Vietnam, where it grows high in the mountains to altitudes of over .
Horticulture Under its synonym Musa lasiocarpa, this plant has won the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. It can be grown outside, but requires protection from freezing temperatures.
See also List of hardy bananas
Notes
References
External links Bananas.org: Musella lasiocarpa