TRAVELLERS PALM
Ravenala madagascariensis
SKU: 9-003
Description
Currently out of stock, awaiting for fresh seeds to be available. Please join our wait list for notification of their availability.
Ravenala is a genus of flowering plants with a single species, Ravenala madagascariensis, commonly known as traveller's tree or traveller's palm, from Madagascar. It is not a true palm (family Arecaceae) but a member of a monocotyledonous flowering plant family, Strelitziaceae. The genus is closely related to the southern African genus Strelitzia and the South American genus Phenakospermum. Some older classifications include these genera in the banana family (Musaceae).
It has been given the name "traveller's palm" because the sheaths of the stems hold rainwater, which supposedly could be used as an emergency drinking supply for needy travellers. However, the water inside the plant is murky, black and smelly and should not be consumed without purification. Another plausible reason for its name is that the fan tends to grow on an east-west line, providing a crude compass.
The scientific name Ravenala comes from Malagasy ravinala meaning "forest leaves".
The enormous paddle-shaped leaves are borne on long petioles, in a distinctive fan shape aligned in a single plane (distichous). The large white flowers are structurally similar to those of its relatives, the bird-of-paradise flowers Strelitzia reginae and Strelitzia nicolai, but are generally considered less attractive, with a green bract. These flowers, upon being pollinated, produce brilliant blue seeds; possibly the only blue seeds found in nature. In tropical and subtropical regions, the plant is widely cultivated for its distinctive habit and foliage. As the plant grows older, it progressively loses the lowest or oldest leaves and reveals a sturdy grey trunk.
The plant requires a sunny spot (not full sun until it is larger). It responds well to fertiliser, especially if it is high in nitrogen during the growing season. This produces better growth and foliage. The plant grows to an average height of 7 m (23 ft) and requires moderate water.
Seeds per pack: 3
Germination: It is important to soak seeds in water water for 24-48 hours before planting. Use rain water or bottled water, as municipal water may harm the seeds. Your planting container should have holes in the bottom for excess water to drain. Place seeds just below the surface of the soil, and place at 25-27C (77-81F). Keep consistently moist until germination. Germination generally takes 3-6 weeks. Keep moist. Once seeds emerge, place the pot in a sunny location.
Always, please feel free to contact us if you have any questions! Whether it's a question about seeds or plants, or a concern about your order. We always appreciate knowing about your experience, what you like, or if something went wrong like an order getting lost or damaged. Luckily it seems almost all orders arrive Safely, but if a problem should occur, please let us know and we will make it right!
Description
Currently out of stock, awaiting for fresh seeds to be available. Please join our wait list for notification of their availability.
Ravenala is a genus of flowering plants with a single species, Ravenala madagascariensis, commonly known as traveller's tree or traveller's palm, from Madagascar. It is not a true palm (family Arecaceae) but a member of a monocotyledonous flowering plant family, Strelitziaceae. The genus is closely related to the southern African genus Strelitzia and the South American genus Phenakospermum. Some older classifications include these genera in the banana family (Musaceae).
It has been given the name "traveller's palm" because the sheaths of the stems hold rainwater, which supposedly could be used as an emergency drinking supply for needy travellers. However, the water inside the plant is murky, black and smelly and should not be consumed without purification. Another plausible reason for its name is that the fan tends to grow on an east-west line, providing a crude compass.
The scientific name Ravenala comes from Malagasy ravinala meaning "forest leaves".
The enormous paddle-shaped leaves are borne on long petioles, in a distinctive fan shape aligned in a single plane (distichous). The large white flowers are structurally similar to those of its relatives, the bird-of-paradise flowers Strelitzia reginae and Strelitzia nicolai, but are generally considered less attractive, with a green bract. These flowers, upon being pollinated, produce brilliant blue seeds; possibly the only blue seeds found in nature. In tropical and subtropical regions, the plant is widely cultivated for its distinctive habit and foliage. As the plant grows older, it progressively loses the lowest or oldest leaves and reveals a sturdy grey trunk.
The plant requires a sunny spot (not full sun until it is larger). It responds well to fertiliser, especially if it is high in nitrogen during the growing season. This produces better growth and foliage. The plant grows to an average height of 7 m (23 ft) and requires moderate water.
Seeds per pack: 3
Germination: It is important to soak seeds in water water for 24-48 hours before planting. Use rain water or bottled water, as municipal water may harm the seeds. Your planting container should have holes in the bottom for excess water to drain. Place seeds just below the surface of the soil, and place at 25-27C (77-81F). Keep consistently moist until germination. Germination generally takes 3-6 weeks. Keep moist. Once seeds emerge, place the pot in a sunny location.
Always, please feel free to contact us if you have any questions! Whether it's a question about seeds or plants, or a concern about your order. We always appreciate knowing about your experience, what you like, or if something went wrong like an order getting lost or damaged. Luckily it seems almost all orders arrive Safely, but if a problem should occur, please let us know and we will make it right!
