Musella lasiocarpa is a banana relative that comes from high altitudes, to frosty 2800 meters in the Yunnan, province in China. Local names for the plant translate as "yellow lotus emerge from the earth" or "yellow lotus of the earth mother". The maximum height of the plant is only about 4-5 feet tall. This rare, hardy Chinese banana is grown for its bright yellow, long-lasting upright flowers, which may last up to 9 months; very showy. The flower appears in its second year, and grows upright at the top of the trunk. It does produce outstanding grey-green banana foliage and it does not produce a fruit. Hardiness zones 7-10 (-15øC/5øF,1øC/35øF) in Winter. This banana has a greater tolerance for colder climates. It will flourish in all climates from cool tropical down to temperate, where it will be found to be root hardy, enduring even cold Winters with its underground rhizome. Somewhat slow growth habit makes it ideal for smaller locations or indoors in colder zones. Musella appreciates soil that is fertile, well drained and rich in organic material. Provide heavy watering, feeding and a place in full sun to partial shade.