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Strelitziaceae

W/C = Wild Collected
Ravenala madagascariensis Sonn.

  • Query IPNI
  • Common Name: Traveller's Tree, Traveller's Palm
  • Family: Strelitziaceae (Schumann) Hutch.

  • Country of Origin: endemic to Madagascar
  • Habitat:

  • Description: A large tree-like plant endemic to Madagascar with palm-like trunks in clumps to 30 feet high; banana-like leaves to about 10 feet long, long-petioled; flowers white, bracts to 12 in each inflorescence; capsule to 4 inches long, aril blue.

    Pollinated by lemurs

    Cultivated throughout the tropics

    Flower bracts and leaf sheaths hold rainwater useful for emergency drinking, hence the common name. A striking plant when mature.

  • Culture: Ravenala needs rich, moist but well-drained soil and a sunny spot in a hot climate. Shelter from strong winds. Propagate from seed in spring or by division of suckers at any time.

  • USDA Zone: 11-12
Images of this accession: {and/or its current location}

 

Accession Data:

  • Accession # 200800036
  • Source: Silverhill Seeds
  • Accession Date: 04-21-2008
  • Bench: 2210 - Plant Comp 2
  • Qty: 1 confirmed on 10-27-2008
Classification:

  • Division: Magnoliophyta
  • Class: Liliopsida
  • SubClass: commelinids
  • Order: Zingiberales
  • SubOrder:
  • Family: Strelitziaceae
  • SubFamily:
  • Tribe:
  • SubTribe:
References:

  1. Botanica, Turner & Wasson, 1997, CD-ROM Version
  2. Hortus Third, LH Bailey Hortorium, 1976

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