Michelia figo 'Banana Shrub'

When I was a little boy I couldn't wait for the icecream truck to come around so I could get a Fudge Bomb. Those ice cream bars had chocolate and banana sections. The scent of Michelia figo's flowers remind of the banana flavor in those fudge bombs.

Michelia figo is an evergreen tree or large shrub that belongs to the Magnoliaceae family. It is native to China and is also commonly known as banana shrub due to the fruity banana-like fragrance of its flowers.

The plant can grow up to a height of 15 or more feet and has glossy dark green leaves that are about 6 inches long. The flowers of Michelia figo are very fragrant and usually appear in late spring or early summer. They are creamy white in color and have a waxy texture. The flowers are cup-shaped with 6-12 petals and can be up to 3 inches in diameter.

Michelia figo. The plant prefers well-drained soil and partial shade to full sun exposure. It is commonly grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks due to its attractive foliage and fragrant flowers. Additionally, the plant has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for its therapeutic properties.