Ravenala madagascariensis
traveller's palm
A palm-like, evergreen tree eventually reaching up to 10m tall with an unbranched trunk topped with a fan-shaped crown of dark green leaves arranged in a single plane. The leaves are long-stalked, 3-6m long and have expaned, cup-shaped leaf bases. White-petaled flowers appear in summer from groups of boat-shaped spathes that emerge at the leaf axils
Size
Ultimate height
8–12 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
Wider than 8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1ABotanical details
- Family
- Strelitziaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Madagascar
How to grow
Cultivation
Under glass grow in peat-free, loam-based compost, in a large container or greenhouse bed, in full light with shade from hot sun. During growth, water freely and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly. Water sparingly in winter
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown at 18-21°C in spring or division of rooted suckers in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- Patio and container plants
- Sub-tropical
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.