Musella lasiocarpa (Franch.) C.Y. Wu 1978, commonly called Golden Lotus Banana, Chinese Yellow Banana or Yunnan Dwarf Banana , is a rare, tropical shrub,
native to the South Chinese province Yunnan.

The Golden Lotus Banana grows up to an altitude of 2800 meters and belongs to the banana family (Musaceae). Chinese Yellow Banana plants reach heights up to about 1,80 meters, the conical trunk about 0,80 meters. Flowers will be developed in the 3.or 4.year of cultivation. The bright yellow flower bracts with a lotus-like head sprout tiny, fragrant flowers, which will become small banana-like fruits. Whilst in flower, plants are mostly leafless. Our picture shows the leaves of a Yellow Walking Iris (Neomarica longifolia).

The impressive blossom last several month. The Golden Lotus Banana (Musella lasiocarpa) requires a sunny to half-shady location and is best cultivated as a pot plant. Yunnan Dwarf Bananas are partly hardy. Leaves die back at tenperatures of about -2°C, plants tolerate temperatures until -8°C. Musella lasiocarpa plants bedded-out in the garden will usually not set flowers.

Flower Photography © Orchids Flowers.com
Image: Golden Lotus Banana (Musella lasiocarpa)
Photographer: Kitisak “Nat” Jaidee