Ravenala madagascariensis - Traveller's palm-plant - 15 - 30 cm(6") - Live starter

The Ravenala madagascariensis, commonly known as the traveler's tree or traveler's palm, is a truly unique and fascinating plant. It's not actually a palm tree, but rather a large herbaceous plant in the Strelitziaceae family, related to birds of paradise flowers.

Here's what makes it special:

• Striking Appearance: It has a tall, upright stem that can reach up to 60 feet (18 meters) and is topped by a fan-shaped arrangement of large, flat leaves that resemble a paddle or banana leaf. These leaves can grow up to 10 feet (3 meters) long and 2 feet (0.6 meters) wide, creating a dramatic and eye-catching silhouette.
  

  Ravenala madagascariensis tree

• Water Reservoir: The leaf bases form a cup-like structure that can hold up to a liter of rainwater. This earned it the name "traveler's tree" as thirsty travelers could extract this water for drinking in emergencies.

• Compass-like Leaves: Interestingly, the leaves tend to grow in an east-west orientation, which can be used as a crude compass in the absence of one.

• Endemic to Madagascar: This tree is native only to the island of Madagascar, where it can be found in various habitats, including rainforests, grasslands, and rocky areas.

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the traveler's tree has several cultural and practical uses in Madagascar:

• Traditional Medicine: Different parts of the plant are used in traditional medicine for various ailments.

• Building Materials: The leaves and fibers are used for roofing, walls, and other construction purposes.

• Fiber Production: The fibers can also be used to make ropes, mats, and other products.

• Ornamental Plant: Due to its unique beauty, the traveler's tree is a popular ornamental plant in tropical and subtropical regions around the world.

If you're interested in learning more about this fascinating plant, here are some additional resources: