Traveler's palm (Ravenala madagascariensis) | seeds, 10 pcs.

REQUIRES WARMTH AND SPACE

• Latin name: Ravenala madagascariensis
• Danish names: Rejsendes træ
  
• English names: Traveller's tree, traveller's palm, East-West palm
  

Ravenala madagascariensis, also known as the traveller's tree, is a unique tropical plant native to Madagascar. Although often confused with a palm, it actually belongs to the bird-of-paradise family (Strelitziaceae) and is closely related to the bird of paradise flower (Strelitzia). Its characteristic fan-shaped growth makes it one of the most iconic plants in tropical gardens and botanical collections.

The plant develops a robust, upright trunk and enormous, symmetrically arranged leaves that spread out in a flat, fan-shaped plane – often oriented east-west. Each leaf sheath can collect and store rainwater, which gave rise to the name "traveller's tree," as it was said in folklore to provide thirsty travellers with access to drinking water (although this water is rarely clean or recommended for consumption).

The flowering is impressive: hidden, large flowers in white and bluish shades, often pollinated by lemurs in its native land, which makes the pollination biology particularly interesting.

Cultivation and requirements:

Ravenala madagascariensis thrives in full sun to light partial shade and requires high heat and humidity to develop optimally. It prefers deep, well-drained, and humus-rich soil as well as regular watering, especially during the growing season. In Denmark, it should be grown in large pots in a greenhouse, orangery, or conservatory, as it cannot tolerate frost – temperatures below 10–12 °C can significantly slow down growth.

Young plants grow relatively quickly under ideal conditions, but require a lot of space in both height and width over time.

Growing from seed:

The seeds are large, black, and often covered in a conspicuous blue aril. They should be sown fresh for the best germination. Before sowing, they can be soaked in lukewarm water for 48 hours. Then, sow them in a warm and moist seed-starting mix (e.g., coconut coir and perlite) and keep them constantly moist at 25–30 °C. Germination typically takes 2–5 months.

It is important to provide the seeds with stable heat and high humidity during germination – for example, in a mini-greenhouse with bottom heat.

Utility:

Beyond its decorative value, Ravenala madagascariensis has traditionally been used locally for building materials, roofing, and in some cases for food wrapping. In landscape design, it is used as a focal point or "tropical backdrop" due to its dramatic structure and large leaf surface.

Ravenala madagascariensis is the obvious choice for plant collectors and tropical gardening enthusiasts who want a plant with both a wow factor and botanical distinction. It is a living symbol of Madagascar – and a true jewel in any exotic collection. See also our entire collection of palm seeds, for more exciting species.