Ensete ventricosum Maurelli

Ensete ventricosum ‘Maurelli‘, also known as Abyssinian red plantain, is a variety of plant belonging to the banana family (Musaceae). It is an ornamental plant prized for its lush, colorful foliage.

Ensete ‘Maurelli’ is a large perennial plant that can reach heights of up to 3 to 5 meters. The leaves are large, lanceolate in shape and spirally arranged around the stem. In the case of Ensete ventricosum ‘Maurelli’, the leaves are a striking dark red to purple color, giving it its common name of “Abyssinian red plantain”. The deep red color of the foliage is maintained for much of the season.

Unlike many other banana species, Ensete ventricosum ‘Maurelli’ is not cold hardy and does not tolerate frost. It is a tropical plant that requires warm temperatures to grow properly.