Magnolia figo is an evergreen tree in the magnolia genus. It grows to 3–4 metres tall. It is native to China. Magnolia figo, commonly called banana shrub, is a dense, rounded, multi-stemmed, broadleaf evergreen shrub that typically matures over time to 6-10' tall and as wide.It is native to China. Common name is in reference to the intense banana-like fragrance of the 6-petaled, cup-shaped, creamy pale yellow flowers .