Seeds from Michelia figo Also called banana shrub because of the distinctive, sweet banana scent from the flowers. These are formed within interesting fuzzy brown bracts that form a 1 in cigar-shaped bud. From these, small off-white flowers burst forth from late spring through summer. The blossoms are about 1. 5 in diameter with each of six waxy petals delicately outlined in dark red. Banana shrub is an evergreen woody plant with multiple stems and much branching. Reaching 15 ft in height and almost as wide. The oblong, glossy green leaves are 3-5 in long by 1-2 in high Zones 8-11.