Traveller's-tree
Ravenala madagascariensis
Bird of paradise flower family (Strelitziaceae)
For whoever is lost and thirsty
The traveller’s tree is impressive and is endemic only to Madagascar. Actually, it is not a true tree because it is composed of a great number of upright petioles that have grown together each bearing a colossal leaf all aligned in one plane giving it the impression of a tree.
Where the shoots diverge standing water collects and this can be used to quench the thirst of a parched traveller. Another explanation for its name is that the plane of the leaves is orientated in an east-west direction: a crude compass for the lost traveller. The story is not entirely reliable so we are left with a symmetrical tree bearing two stories.
Themes
Crown jewel in the Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam.
Domestic cattle regularly graze on the new leaves produced on the underground plant parts.
Slightly musty yet sweet smelling flowers open at night.
Details
| Description: | Herb, 10-15 m. |
|---|---|
| Distributions: | Madagascar |
| Habitat: | Seconday forest, lowland and on slopes between 0 and 1,000 m in altitude. |
| Hardiness: | 50 - 59 f (heated glasshouse - subtropical) |
| Flower color: | White, creme |
| Notes on flowers: | Flowers creamy white. |