Michelia figo - (Lour.)Spreng.
(Lour.)Spreng.
Banana Shrub, Michelia
gbif· cc-by-nc
Delaware State University, Claude E. Phillips Herbarium (DOV-)
gbif· cc-by-nc
Delaware State University, Claude E. Phillips Herbarium (DOV-)
gbif· cc-by-nc
North Carolina Zoological Park (NCZP-)
Description
Michelia figo is an evergreen Shrub growing to 5 m (16ft) by 4 m (13ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9 and is frost tender. It is in leaf all year, in flower from April to July, and the seeds ripen from August to November. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: neutral soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
Edible Uses
Condiment. The leaves are used for scenting tea.
Distribution
E. Asia - southern China.
Where It Grows
TEMPERATE ASIA: China (Anhui Sheng, Guangdong Sheng, Guangxi Zhuangzu Zizhiqu, Jiangxi Sheng, Zhejiang Sheng)
Cultivation
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. Although not very frost-hardy, plants have survived in sheltered positions outdoors in southern England, tolerating temperatures down to about -5°c. They require the protection of a cold greenhouse at Kew gardens. The flowers have a banana scent. 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.
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.
