Ravenala, Genus, spp., Multiple species,
- Genus
- Multiple species
traveller's palm
Overview
Ravenala, the traveller's palm or traveller's tree, is a genus in the family Strelitziaceae native to Madagascar. Long treated as a single species, R. madagascariensis, it is now split by some botanists into several species. Despite the common name it is not a palm but a giant relative of the banana and bird-of-paradise. Plants form a fan of 10 to 20 long-stalked, paddle-shaped leaves, each blade 8–13 ft (2.5–4 m) long, arranged in one flat plane atop a stout, palm-like trunk that can reach 30–50 ft (9–15 m) tall. The leaf bases collect rainwater, the feature that gave rise to the traveller's name. Boat-shaped bracts hold creamy-white flowers like those of a large bird-of-paradise, followed by woody capsules with seeds wrapped in a bright blue, fleshy aril rare among plants. Ravenala needs a frost-free, humid climate and rich, moist soil, and the broad leaves shred in strong wind, leaving a ragged outline. Outside the tropics it is grown under glass while young.
Native Range
Ravenala is native to Madagascar, where it grows in open clearings, forest margins, and regrowth areas across the humid eastern and northern parts of the island. It is widely planted throughout the tropics as an ornamental.Suggested Uses
Ravenala is grown as a large specimen in tropical and subtropical gardens, parks, and avenues where its fan can be seen from a distance. It needs room, set well away from buildings and paths, with 15–25 ft (4.5–7.5 m) of clear space. In cooler regions it is grown in large conservatories and glasshouses.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height30' - 50'
Width/Spread12' - 20'
Bloom Information
Ravenala flowers irregularly through the year in the wet tropics once plants reach mature size, with no single fixed season. The creamy flowers sit within green boat-shaped bracts and are pollinated by lemurs and birds in the wild. Woody seed capsules follow and split to show blue-coated seeds.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Ravenala grows in full sun to part shade and deep, rich, moist but free-draining soil at a pH of 5.5–7.0. It needs steady warmth and humidity, with growth checked below about 50°F (10°C) and foliage damaged by frost. Young plants take part shade, while mature ones stand in full sun. Shelter from strong wind keeps the leaves from tearing into a tattered fan. Regular watering and feeding through the warm season support its fast, large growth. Propagation is by seed or by removing basal suckers from clumping forms.Pruning
Ravenala needs only the removal of old, broken, or dead leaves, cut close to the trunk. Spent flower bracts and seed capsules are taken off once they brown. No shaping is needed, as the plant builds its fan naturally.Container Growing
Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 15 gallons
