Ravenala madagascariensis Sonn.
| Etymology | Genus | Malagasy name for the plant Ravinala, meaning leaves of the forest |
|---|---|---|
| Species | From Madagascar | |
| Family | Strelitziaceae | |
| Synonyms | - | |
| Common Names | Traveller's Palm | |
| Status | Exotic: Cultivated Only | |
| Form | Tree | |
| Native Distribution | Madagascar | |
Diagnostics:
An unmistakeable form with large leaves arranged elegantly and symmetrically to form a fan. It can grow up to 20m.
Interesting Facts:
While commonly known and appeared as a palm, it is more related to bananas, being in the order Zingiberales. The leaves and flowers also resembles a banana.
This species is endemic to Madagascar. The cup-like leaf bases hold water, and it is said that travellers used to quench their thirst from. The leaves are also used as packing materials and the mid-ribs were used to make the walls of huts (Rao & Wee, 1989) .
Cultivated in a private garden at Sembawang, 2025.
Large leaves.
Neatly clumped leaf stalks.
References
Rao AN & WC Wee (1989) Singapore Trees. Singapore Institute of Biology, Singapore. 357 pp.
Author: Siyang
Posted: 2026-01-13 / Modified: 2026-01-14
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