Ensete (Musaceae) There are seven species of these giant monocarpic evergreens from tropical Africa and India. They are closely related to bananas, but differ in that they do not sucker, most have a swollen stem base, and larger seeds. All species have large leaves and can make huge plants in favourable conditions; they can also do well as pot plants in conservatories in cooler climates.

Ensete ventricosum Abyssinian Banana
This evergreen perennial produces a cluster of huge, exotic-looking, arching, broadly linear, dark green leaves, to 6m (20ft) long, atop a massive single upright “trunk” (strictly speaking a pseudostem), which can be 2–6m (6˝–20ft) high. The whitish flowers are inconspicuous on horizontal then drooping inflorescences with dark red bracts. The banana-like, inedible fruits contain large, glossy, black seeds. Although fast growing, E. ventricosum is not very long-lived as it usually flowers after a few years and then dies back to its roots.
Cultivation Easily raised from seed. Grow in fertile soil in full sun, with shelter from strong winds.
Height to 6m (20ft); spread to 3m (10ft). USZ 11, with a minimum of 4.5°C (40°F). Needs generous summer watering.