Description
Ravenala madagascariensis – Traveller’s Palm
Family: Strelitziaceae
Packet Size: 8 Seeds
Description
Traveller’s Palm, Ravenala madagascariensis, is native to eastern and south-eastern Madagascar. Its very large, paddle-like leaves often spread in a striking flat fan, creating a strong tropical silhouette beside a lawn or as a specimen planting.
Despite its common name and its placement in palm collections, it belongs to the bird-of-paradise family, Strelitziaceae, and is not a true palm. Mature plants can become very large and need a warm site with plenty of room above and around them.
Key Features
- Leaves: Large banana-like blades on substantial leaf stalks.
- Shape: Bold, often two-ranked fan arrangement.
- Origin: Madagascan member of Strelitziaceae, related to bird-of-paradise plants.
Growing Conditions
- Light: Full sun to bright partial shade; shelter small seedlings from harsh midday exposure.
- Soil: Rich, freely draining soil kept evenly moist during active growth.
- Climate: Tropical and warm subtropical; protect from frost and drying cold winds.
- Space: Allow for broad mature leaves and possible wind tearing of exposed foliage.
Propagation from Seed
- Soak: Soak cleaned seeds in lukewarm water for 24–48 hours before sowing.
- Sow: Cover to about the seed’s thickness in deep pots of clean, moist, well-drained propagation mix.
- Germinate: Maintain stable tropical warmth and gentle moisture; emergence can be slow and uneven.
Growing Note
This spectacular plant is not a member of the palm family; its common name is retained for customer familiarity.
Germination advice: These instructions are a recommended guide. Germination results and timing may vary depending on seed freshness, storage, temperature and growing conditions. Alternative propagation methods may also be successful.
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