Ravenala or Traveller’s Palm as it is called more popularly is one of the most interesting tree-like plants. It isn’t a true palm tree, because it also has some resemblance to the banana plant – its long leaf stalks and deep green leaves bear a strong resemblance. These extend out symmetrically from the trunk like a giant Chinese fan.

It is the rainwater collecting property of this tree, which can be consumed by thirsty travelers, that gives it the name traveler’s palm.

General Properties:

The leaves are up to 10 feet long and 12-20 inches wide. Young traveller’s palms have no visible trunk which, is underground. In adult plants, the trunk emerges above the ground, raising the symmetrical leaf-fan to heights ranging from 30-60 ft. The green palm like trunk grows up to 1 feet in diameter and displays distinctive trunk leaf scar rings. The small white flowers, in a foot long inflorescence, are held in bracts. In these bracts and leaf folds, rainwater is collected. The fruits are brown while the seeds are blue.

Family Lineage:

Ravenala is a genus of flowering plants with a single species, Ravenala madagascariensis, commonly known as traveller’s tree or traveller’s palm is from Madagascar. It is not a true palm (family Arecaceae) but a member of a monocotyledonous flowering plant family. Although it is usually considered to be a single species, four different forms have been distinguished. The scientific name Ravenala comes from Malagasy ravinala meaning “forest leaves”.

It has been given the name “traveller’s palm” because the sheaths of the stems hold rainwater, which supposedly could be used as an emergency drinking supply for needy travellers. However, the water inside the plant is murky, black and smelly and should not be consumed without purification. Another plausible reason for its name is that the fan tends to grow on an east-west line, providing a crude compass.

The enormous paddle-shaped leaves are borne on long petioles, in a distinctive fan shape aligned in a single plane. The large white flowers are structurally similar to those of its relatives, the bird-of-paradise flowers Strelitzia reginae and Strelitzia nicolai, but are generally considered less attractive, with a green bract.[6]In tropical and subtropical regions, the plant is widely cultivated for its distinctive habit and foliage. As the plant grows older, it progressively loses the lowest or oldest leaves and reveals a sturdy grey trunk.

Ruffed lemurs are a known pollinator of this plant, and given the size and structure of the inflorescences, as well as the lemur’s selectivity, method of feeding, and long muzzle, this relationship is thought to have coevolved.

The plant requires a sunny spot (not full sun until it is larger). They need a fair amount of water but their roots should not be left standing in water. It responds well to fertilizer, especially if it is high in nitrogen during the growing season. This produces better growth and foliage. The plant grows to an average height of 7 m (23 ft) and requires moderate water.

Aesthetic and Novelty Uses:-

• Great for landscapes but they get too big, too fast to have as a container or indoor palm.
•  The travelers palm is a favorite for landscapers and those who appreciate the symmetrical shape of these beautiful plants.
• They make great arrangements in gardens, and they are an excellent tree for blocking the view of your backyard.
• When left alone and if they stay healthy they can grow just as tall as the coconut palm and extremely large!
• With its exceptionally beautiful leaf display the travelers palm would make a great addition, it will turn any yard into a little slice of paradise.