Ravenala madagascariensis Sonn.

• Common Name: Traveller's Tree, Traveller's Palm
• Family: Strelitziaceae (Schumann) Hutch.

• Country of Origin: endemic to Madagascar
• Habitat: rainforest from 0-500m

• Description: A large tree-like plant endemic to Madagascar with palm-like trunks in clumps to 30 feet high; banana-like leaves to about 10 feet long, long-petioled; flowers white, bracts to 12 in each inflorescence; capsule to 4 inches long, aril blue.

  Pollinated by lemurs

  Cultivated throughout the tropics

  It is said that weary travelers would quench their thirst on the rainwater collected in the enlarged sheaths at the base of the leaves. In fact this juice smells bad and tastes horrible, because the water is polluted by organic impurities.¹

• Uses: The plant has an edible nuts, the young leaves are consumed as vegetable and the seed oil is sometimes used for cooking. The long petioles are used for making of paper.¹

• Culture: Ravenala needs rich, moist but well-drained soil and a sunny spot in a hot climate. Shelter from strong winds. Propagate from seed in spring or by division of suckers at any time.

• USDA Zone: 11-12

Additional images for this accession:

Accession Data:

• Accession # 200800036
• Source: Silverhill Seeds
• Accession Date: 04-21-2008
• Bench: 1102 - AFR:Madagascar B
• Qty: 1 confirmed on 04-05-2013

Classification:

• Division: Magnoliophyta
• Class: Liliopsida
• SubClass: commelinids
• Order: Zingiberales
• SubOrder:
• Family: Strelitziaceae
• SubFamily:
• Tribe:
• SubTribe:

References:

1. Botany.cz
2. Botanica, Turner & Wasson, 1997, CD-ROM Version
3. Hortus Third, LH Bailey Hortorium, 1976

data regenerated on Wed, 22 May 2013 14:24:01 -0400