Medicinal · Palm
Traveler's Palm
Ravenala madagascariensis Sonn.
FamilyStrelitziaceae
EspañolÁrbol del viajero
AlsoTraveller's palm, Traveller's tree
A large plant with a palm-like trunk topped by 20–30 long-stalked, banana-like leaves arranged in a single flat fan. Small creamy-white flowers sit in boat-shaped bracts like those of the bird-of-paradise, and the woody capsules hold seeds wrapped in bright blue fibres. The cup-shaped leaf bases collect rainwater, which is said to have given thirsty travellers a drink.
Sourced · see Record tab Least Concern · IUCN
Worth knowingThe common name comes from the water that collects in the enlarged sheaths at the base of the leaves, which travellers reportedly drank.
2on the estate
0carrying a tag
0sponsored
| Tag | Garden area | Zone | Planted | Status | Sponsored | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | Palm Jungle | B | 17 June 2016 | Planted | — | |
| — | Palm Jungle | B | 17 June 2016 | Planted | — |
2 of these have no tag yet; they will be numbered when the garden team re-tags the estate.