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 but a member of a flowering plant family, Strelitziaceae. Ravenala madagascariensis has been granted 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".
Traveler’s tree, (ravenala madagascariensis), also called traveler’s palm, plant of a family strelitziaceae, so named because a water it accumulates in its leaf bases has been used in emergencies for drinking. A fan of leaves also tends to grow roughly on an east-west line, providing a crude compass for travelers. Water freely in spring and summer & feed monthly; sparingly in winter. In frost free areas, grow in fertile, moist but well-drained soil in sun with shelter from strong winds.
Mix the recommended amount of liquid fertilizer and water in a watering can. Then simply pour the mix into the soil as if you're watering the plant.
The ideal blend of soil for plant growth is called loam. Often referred to as topsoil or black dirt by landscape companies, loam is a mixture of sand, clay, and silt.
Get rid of damaged leaves and stems. This is important because damaged leaves and stems can actually be an energy drain on your plant. By removing those dead parts, you're taking some of that work off your plant’s plate and allowing it to divert its energy into healthy leaves and new growth!
The plant prefers temperatures between 50° and 80°F (10° to 27°C). It can also be grown outdoors in a patio planter during the summer and brought indoors for the winter.
