Mystery Monday - Name That Shrub!

I hope that your Memorial Day has been lovely. It's time for Mystery Monday too! Last week's tree was Musa velutina - the Velvet banana. Laura from French Language was on the right track, but it was Sharon who got the exact one. The leaves themselves do resemble those of bird of paradise. These little pink bananas are edible, but not usually used since they are full of big seeds. Good job Sharon!

Your clues for this week:

• You're probably more familiar with this shrub's Eastern sibling. This one comes from the West.
• This shrub might make you think of kitchen seasonings with one common name. Perhaps dessert with another.
• This shrub is fragrant, though not as "sugary" perhaps as the Eastern version.

Good luck - can't wait to see who will win this week!

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_{Photo by wolfpix via Flickr}