Ravenala madagascariensis
- Phonetic Spelling
- ra-VEN-ah-la mad-uh-gas-KAR-ee-EN-sis
- Description
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Traveller's Tree is a palm-like tree native to Madagascar. It can reach heights of 30'-50' feet in its native habitat. It grows in frost-free areas around the world. Plant in rich, moist well-drained loam in the full sun. In areas where it may not be winter hardy, it can be grown in a greenhouse.
Propagate this pant by seed, division or it occasionally creates offsets.
Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No serious problems. Overwatering can lead to root rot. Strong winds can shred leaves.
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Cultivars / Varieties:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Ravenala
- Species:
- madagascariensis
- Family:
- Strelitziaceae
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Division
- Seed
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- Madagascar
- Dimensions:
- Height: 30 ft. 0 in. - 50 ft. 0 in.
- Width: 15 ft. 0 in. - 25 ft. 0 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Tree
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
- Soil Texture:
- High Organic Matter
- Loam (Silt)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Moist
- Available Space To Plant:
- 12-24 feet
- 24-60 feet
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b
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Fruit:
- Fruit Value To Gardener:
- Edible
- Fruit Type:
- Capsule
- Fruit Length:
- > 3 inches
- Fruit Description:
- Woody capsules 3 1/2" long with edible blue seeds
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- White
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Cyme
- Flower Value To Gardener:
- Good Dried
- Showy
- Flower Petals:
- 2-3 rays/petals
- Flower Description:
- A seasonal bloomer 3 petaled whilte boat-shaped spathes of flowers appear in cymes
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Leaves:
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Length:
- > 6 inches
- Leaf Width:
- > 6 inches
- Leaf Description:
- Huge eaves form a fan shape, cup-shaped petioles collect rain-water hence the common name, as it was thought travelers used this water.
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Bark:
- Bark Description:
- 12" diameter unbranched trunk with leaf scar rings.
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Container
- Landscape Theme:
- Winter Garden
- Design Feature:
- Specimen
