Travellers Palm

I have always loved these plants and for a long tome incorrectly thought of them as fan palms but in fact they are not even classified as palms (family Arecaceae)at all. Travellers Palms (Ravenala madagascariensis) are members of the Strelitziaceae of which the Bird of Paradise is also a member.

Originating from Madagascar the Travelers Palm is now found throughout the tropics and is famed or its stunning array of foliage which grow out of the centre of the tree and fan out down both sides. It is said to be named because the stems hold rainwater which travellers can use to quench their thirst. I have also read an alternative explanation for the name that it is because the leaves always array themselves in an east-west direction but since, at least currently mine is in a north-south alignment this appears to be a nonsense.

The Travellers Palm is monotypic; the only one of its genus which makes it even more special.

In young plants the trunk is underground and it emerges as the plant matures. The trunk can grow to 30cm in diameter and the tree can grow as high as 18m.

Soil - The Travellers Palm prefers rich, loam soils but will tolerate both sand and clay as well.  It likes moist soil but good drainage.

Exposure – prefers full sun

Warning - Can be invasive

Number - 1

Planted - January 2009

Classified  -  Tree 21