Musella lasiocarpa - Chinese dwarf banana, golden lotus banana or Chinese yellow banana, is the sole species in the genus Musella. A close relative of bananas, and also a member of the family Musaceae.

Chinese Banana is a short-statured perennial herb with a non-woody trunk, reaching only 150 cm in height. Its green-grey, lanceolate leaves, arranged radially above the pseudostems, provide ample shade. Its rhizomatous growth and closely packed leaf sheaths make it an easy-to-maintain option for any garden.

Golden Lotus Banana, a sacred flower in southern China, and boasts a large, vibrant yellow flower that blooms for months, this plant adds a touch of beauty to any garden or landscape.

All parts of the plant are used. The rhizome, leaf and stem can be used for animal fodders. Here on The Wildlands our chickens absolutely loved eating the leaves.

On mountain farms, this species is planted at ridges of fields and terrace as they can mitigate soil erosion.

The fibrous midrib of the dried leaves is used for weaving.

Edible Uses

The Chinese Banana is a versatile and beneficial fruit to add to your diet. Not only is the inner pseudostem edible when cooked or pickled, but the flower bracts also have traditional medicinal uses. The starchy pseudostem and rhizome can be used to make wine. 

Medicinal Uses

The Chinese Banana, scientifically known as Musella lasiocarpa, has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries to treat ailments such as rheumatism and fever. Its roots contain beneficial properties that offer potential relief to those suffering from these conditions.

The flower has also been used as an antiphlogistic, hemostatic, anti-enteritis, anti-constipation, detoxification, and anti-gynecological disease agent as well as to alleviate drunkenness.

The flowers can be mashed and applied topically as a poultice to reduce inflammation. Its healing properties make it a valuable addition to any herbal remedy collection.

Teas

The flowers are dried and made into a tea or decoction to treat menstrual disorders and dysentery.

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