This clump forming plant forms an unbranched trunk that is sheaved in leaf bases. It has large banana-like dark green leaves that are arranged in a fan-like pattern. It produced large boat-like spathes that contain small white flowers during summer.

Hardiness zones 10 to 12

Ravenala madagascariensisis naturally found in Madagascar but has been cultivated worldwide in warm temperate and tropical climates.

It prefers a well drained fertile deep moist sandy to light clay loam that is rich and organic and grows in a open sunny position. It is drought and frost tender and requires wind protection.

The Traveller's Palm is an attractive palm-like tree that is grown as a specimen in tropical-like gardens. It is also planted in botanic collections or parks and in cold regions it is a large greenhouse specimen. It has a moderate growth rate and establishes from division in 2 to 4 years.ID 1166

Ravenala(rav-e-NAL-a) madagascariensis(mad`-e-gas-kair`-ee-ENS-is)

Strelitziaceae (stre-LITS-ee-AY-see-ee)
Bird-of-Paradise Flower Family