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Traveler’s-Tree
(Traveler’s
“Palm”)
Ravenala madagascariensis
Sonn.
rav-en-AYE-lah mad-ah-gas-car-ee-EN-sis
Strelitziaceae
Explanation
of name:
The name for the plant in Madagascar (BA1). Specific epithet self-explanatory.
Name “traveler’s-tree” refers to water available in cup-shaped leaf bases (BA1).
Natural
range:
Madagascar
Recognition:
Perennial herb to 30’ + tall, with large banana-like leaves arranged in a flat
pattern resembling a fan. The long petioles look like spokes. The bracts are
boat-shaped and overlapping; the white flowers are hidden by the bracts. Could
be confused with Strelitzia nicolai (White Bird of Paradise) but
Ravenala has numerous overlapping greenish bracts arranged flatly in a
single plane (vs. one-several blue-toned bracts arranged three-dimensionally),
and white (vs. blue and white) flowers.
Landscape
uses:
An assertive, self-important focal point. This is a specimen plant to be used
after much consideration: formal, beautiful, regal, and perhaps challenging to
mix with other plants. May not retain good looks after severe weather. Propagate
from basal suckers or from seeds (CHR) (I suspect the seeds are very slow to
germinate.)
Additional
data:
available from UFST565
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Botanical |
English |
FL native |
Growth form
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Flowering season
|
Typical dimensions
|
Suggested spacing |
Cultural conditions
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Problems |
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Ravenala madagascariensis
|
Traveler’s Tree |
Exotic |
Huge Perennial
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Year-Round? |
To 30+ (BA1) |
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SU
RS
MO
Loamy
(CHR)
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Damaged in high winds |
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