Description

General aspect and origins - Ravenala madagascariensis, also known as traveler's tree or traveler's palm, is a tropical tree from the same familly as the bird of paradise (Strelitziaceae) and native to the island of Madagascar. It has a very distinctive hand fan shaped foliage. It can grow up to 30 ft - 60 ft (10 m to 20 m) tall.
Leaves - Leaves of the traveler's tree are symetrically grouped and give the tree the aspect of a hand fan. Leaves can be up to 10 ft (3 m) long.
Flowers - Inflorescences from the traveler's tree bear numerous white flowers.

Culture

The traveler's tree is a tropical tree that may withstand slight and brief negative temperatures of about 30°F (-1°C). But it is best to grow this tree in frost free areas. (USDA zones 10b and warmer)
Soil - The traveler's tree will grow best in well-drained and moist grounds.

Propagation

The traveler's tree is usually propagated by seeds. But young suckers, or "pups", can also be rooted.