Traveller’s Palm – Ravenala Madagascariensis
The Traveller’s Palm is not a true palm. It is more closely related to the genus Strelitzia – the Bird of Paradise family. It is a native of Madagascar and renowned for its striking banana shaped leaves and flat growth habit. Its leaves are much larger than those of the Giant Bird of Paradise. They do produce a flower similar to the bird-like flower of the Bird of Paradise but are usually at least 10 years old before flowering. They can be grown indoors when young but are more commonly found outdoors as feature plants in the tropical garden. Maintain a healthy plant with regular watering and add peat moss and mulch to emulate its natural environment.
