Abyssinian Banana Tree

The Ensete ventricosum, commonly known as the Abyssinian banana tree, has long, wide green or purple leaves, lending the campsite a distinctly tropical air! Magnificent and impressive, this banana tree originates from tropical Africa (Angola and Ethiopia). It is sometimes referred to as the “false banana tree” and blooms just once before dying.

In fact, the Abyssinian banana tree does produce fruit – little bananas – but they are sadly not fit to eat! It take 4 to 5 years of growth for the tree to produce fruit, but alas this also means it is nearing the end of its life.

This large, perennial plant is primarily ornamental. It adores the climate of the Var area and is particularly at home at our four-star campsite Les Jardins de La Pascalinette ®!

The Abyssinian banana tree doesn’t have a trunk per se. Instead, its base is actually formed by the superimposed stalks of each leaf. In fact, the Abyssinian banana tree isn’t really a tree at all, it’s a giant grass that can grow up to 3 to 4 metres in height in our climes!

Its leaves are perennial and paddle-shaped. They are particularly impressive in size and can grow up to 1 to 3 metres in length!

The beauty of the Abyssinian banana tree also resides in its colours: its shiny green leaves tinted with purple strike a delightful contrast with their central red vein.

Like all perennial plants, the Abyssinian banana tree rests in winter, when its aerial parts dry up and die. But as soon as the campsite reopens its doors in April, it is raring to show off its robes of many colours!

If you’re passionate about the plant world, don’t miss a tour of our Décou’Verte® botanical footpath! You’ll find the Abyssinian banana tree in the “Jardin du Levant” (nr. 22 on the botanical footpath plan). Enjoy your walk!