Banana shrub, Chenille copperleaf
Magnolia figo

Family: Magnoliaceae

What it is like

A shrub. It can grow 5 m high. The twigs zigzag. The leaves are in 2 ranks. The leaf blade is 4-12 cm long by 2-5 cm wide. The upper side in shiny and dark green while the underneath is a dull green. The flowers are bowl shaped. They have a banana scent.

Where it is found

It is a tropical and subtropical plant. It grows on shady slopes and along riverbanks in well-drained sandy soil.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, China, Hawaii, Indochina, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Pacific, SE Asia, Thailand, USA, Vietnam

How it is used for food

The leaves are used for scenting tea.

It is cultivated.

Edible parts

Leaves - scent

How it is grown

It is usually grown by air layering or stem cuttings.

Its other names

Local names

Cempaka mulia

Synonyms

Liriodendron figo Lour.; Michelia figo (Lour.) Spreng.; and others