In my last post I discussed our family connection to the Emily Wilson camellia that graced us with beautiful flowers every spring during my childhood. This time I want to share with you another southern favorite, the Banana shrub (Magnolia figo).
Although the small Banana shrub flowers aren’t as impressive as those of the Emily Wilson they really stand out in terms of fragrance. The Flowers smell like ripe bananas and the scent can be quite strong (in a good way).
One of our neighbors has several Banana shrubs in a hedge and my wife and I enjoy the scent when we walk past their house.
We have one Banana shrub near our back door and we often bring in a flower so we can smell it during the evening. Sadly the blooming lasts for only a short time, but it gives us much pleasure.
The Banana shrub was discovered in China, and is related to the Magnolia. The flowers are very similar to the Magnolia, but much smaller.
I took close up photos to share so you can see the details. As with many small flowers macro photography can show the overlooked beauty.
