THE TRAVELER PALM RAVENALA MADAGASCARENSIS

BANANA-LIKE TREE IN ONE PLANE
IMPOSSIBLE TO FIND LATELY

Most people are fascinated by this large, banana-like plant that has wide, long and soft leaves that tower overhead. It is native to Madagascar. The fact the leaves of the Traveler Palm are all aligned in one plane fascinates viewers. But I must first mention that this species is not a palm at all! Rather, it is part of the Bird of Paradise family. It got its common name of “Traveler Palm” (aka Traveller Palm) because the leaf bases would catch and hold water for thirsty travelers. Compared to the Giant Bird of Paradise, it’s so much nicer. It’s less maintenance, is not invasive and prettier. But, the downside is that Ravenala madagascarensis doesn’t survive a freeze. Literally, a freeze will kill it overnight. This is the first time I’ve had any Traveler Palms available for two years. I’ve had hundreds of calls by people looking for them and there just aren’t any of any size available. Yesterday I got a limited number of three to four leaf young plants in band size. If they don’t sell out, all will be put in 2 gallon pots in the next few days.

The band size plants are shown in the first five photos. The sixth photo is an old photo of a larger Nursery plant.See more about the Traveler Palm: TRAVELER PALM ARTICLE