Results of DNA analysis in various studies (see, for example, R.B. Figlar & H.P. Nooteboom, Blumea 49: 87-100. 2004) have supported the concept that the various genera comprising the subfamily Magnolioideae would be more consistently treated as a single genus, Magnolia. This is the treatment followed here, though it is still not universally accepted[].

Common Name: Banana Shrub

General Information

Magnolia figo is an evergreen shrub with dense, upright growth when young, eventually forming a rounded canopy; it grows around 3 - 5 metres tall and 2 - 5 metres wide[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a flavouring in tea, as a medicine and source of an essential oil. The plant is also commonly grown as an ornamental in many parts of tropical to warm temperate regions[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

E. Asia - southeast China.

Habitat

Broad-leaved evergreen forests, shady slopes and along river banks[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	5.00 m
Growth Rate	Medium
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Magnolia figo grows in the subtropical climate of southeast China. Although not very frost-hardy, plants are known to have survived in sheltered positions outdoors in the milder regions of the temperate zone[], tolerating temperatures down to about -5°c[].
Succeeds in a humus-rich well-drained neutral to alkaline soil in direct light or partial shade[]. Requires a neutral to acid soil according to other reports[, , ].
The flowers have a smell like ripening cantaloupes or bananas. This smell can be very pleasant but can become overwhelming when these shrubs are massed together[].. This is one of the most fragrant of all shrubs with a scent strongly resembling the sweet 'pear drops'[].
Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[].

Edible Uses

The leaves are used for scenting tea[].

Medicinal

The plant (part not specified) is used medicinalluy[].

Other Uses

The banana-scented flowers are used to scent hair oil[].

Propagation

Seed - probably best sown in a greenhouse as soon as it is ripe in the autumn, it can also be sown in the spring[]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Consider giving them some protection from the cold for at least their first winter outdoors.
Cuttings of greenwood, summer in a frame[].