The red banana is a showy plant originally from Ethiopia which has long green paddle-shaped leaves with reddish undersides growing from a central stem. Maurelli is not prone to sucker nor does it bear edible fruits like true bananas. In warmer climates it is a perennial and can grow to a height of thirty or forty feet but in cultivation in cold climates where the plant must be overwintered it is more likely to reach a height of 12 feet. The red banana requires consistently moist, but well-drained soil, a location sheltered from strong winds, and full sun. Maurelli red banana is reputedly less amenable to digging up for overwintering so cultivation as potted specimen may be preferable. This plant is not hardy in Chicago and must be brought inside for overwintering.