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Michelia figo - (Lour.)Spreng.

Common Name Banana Shrub, Michelia
Family Magnoliaceae
USDA hardiness 8-10
Known Hazards None known
Habitats Broad-leaved evergreen forests, shady slopes and along river banks[266].
Range E. Asia - southern China.
Edibility Rating    (1 of 5)
Other Uses    (0 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (0 of 5)
Care (info)
Half Hardy Moist Soil Semi-shade Full sun
Michelia figo Banana Shrub, Michelia


http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:KENPEI
Michelia figo Banana Shrub, Michelia
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Midori

 

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Summary

Bloom Color: White. Main Bloom Time: Early spring, Late spring, Mid spring. Form: Pyramidal, Vase.


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of shrub
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.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

M. fuscata.

Plant Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; South Wall. By. West Wall. By.

Edible Uses

Edible Parts:
Edible Uses: Condiment

The leaves are used for scenting tea[183].

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.


None known

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

None known

Special Uses

Scented Plants

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Landscape Uses:Border, Specimen. Succeeds in a humus-rich well-drained neutral to alkaline soil in direct light or partial shade[200]. Requires a neutral to acid soil according to other reports[188, 219]. Although not very frost-hardy, plants have survived in sheltered positions outdoors in southern England[200], tolerating temperatures down to about -5°c[260]. They require the protection of a cold greenhouse at Kew gardens[11]. The flowers have a banana scent[188]. This is one of the most fragrant of all shrubs with a scent strongly resembling the sweet 'pear drops'[11]. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[200]. Special Features: Not North American native, Fragrant flowers, Attractive flowers or blooms.

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Plant 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[200]. 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[200].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Range

TEMPERATE ASIA: China (Anhui Sheng, Guangdong Sheng, Guangxi Zhuangzu Zizhiqu, Jiangxi Sheng, Zhejiang Sheng)

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants
Latin NameCommon NameHabitHeightHardinessGrowthSoilShadeMoistureEdibleMedicinalOther

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

Expert comment

Author

(Lour.)Spreng.

Botanical References

11200266

Links / References

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Readers comment

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Subject : Michelia figo  
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