Traveller's tree

The traveller's tree, or Ravenala, can be recognised by its enormous fan-shaped leaves. The name ‘Traveller's tree’ comes from the fact that thirsty travellers can obtain drinking water from the Ravenala by piercing its hollow leaf sheaths.

The Ravenala grows from the lowland rainforest of Madagascar up to the mountain forests at around 1,600 metres above sea level. However, at this altitude, it does not develop a trunk as it typically does in the lowlands.

It is normal for the slats to be torn. This is caused by the wind.

The English name ‘traveller’s Palm’ is misleading, as the Ravenala is not a palm but a member of the ginger family and is therefore related to the banana. The Ravenala’s closest botanical relatives are found in South America and South Africa.

The Ravenala is found only in Madagascar, but has been exported all over the world to enhance the appearance of parks and hotel complexes. The plant is regarded as Madagascar’s de facto national tree. Even the airline Air Madagascar has chosen the plant as its symbol.

Ironically, however, the traveller's tree is also a symbol of the destruction of Madagascar’s forests. It is rather rare in the primeval forest, but grows in large numbers on areas of destroyed woodland.