Snow Banana

Ensete glaucum, also known as the Ethiopian Banana or False Banana, is a herbaceous plant that belongs to the family Musaceae. It is native to the Horn of Africa and is commonly grown in Ethiopia and Eritrea for its starchy edible pseudo-stem and fruits.

The Ensete glaucum plant can grow up to 15 feet tall and has large, paddle-shaped leaves that can reach up to 10 feet in length. The leaves are a blue-green color and have a waxy surface that helps to protect them from moisture loss. The plant produces an inflorescence with yellowish flowers that are followed by small, inedible fruits.

The edible part of the Ensete glaucum plant is the pseudostem, which is a thick, succulent stem that grows underground and can reach up to 6 feet in height. It is harvested by digging up the entire plant and removing the outer layers of leaves to reveal the starchy core. The pseudostem can be prepared by roasting, boiling or fermenting, and is an important source of food for many people in Ethiopia and Eritrea.

Ensete glaucum is a hardy plant that can tolerate drought and can be grown in a wide range of soils. It requires regular watering, particularly during the growing season, and should be protected from frost. The plant is propagated by planting suckers or by seed, and can take up to 5 years to produce its first harvest. It is an important crop in the region and plays a key role in the traditional culture of the people who cultivate it.