Traveller's palm (ravinala)
Ravenala madagascariensis
A giant fan of paddle leaves, pollinated by lemurs; the leaf bases hold rain water, and the leaves and stems thatch and wall traditional houses.
Hardiness: zones 10 to 12
Light: full sun
Size: about 40 ft tall, 15 ft wide
From: Madagascar
Here: Too tender to overwinter outdoors on the Lake Erie shore (zone 6b to 7a): grow it in a pot and bring it in, or treat it as an annual.
Good for: wildlife, pollinators, screens and hedges.
Native to: African savannas & tropics. Hardy in zones 10 to 12.
The story
The traveller's palm is not a palm but a relative of the bird-of-paradise, and it grows wild only in Madagascar, where it is a national emblem. Its name comes from the rain water held in the leaf bases, a drink for a thirsty traveller. Black-and-white ruffed lemurs pollinate the flowers, and on the east coast its leaves, stems and bark build whole houses.
Planting
Full sun in rich, moist, well-drained soil, sheltered from strong wind, which shreds the leaves. Plant in the warm, wet season where frost never comes.
Growing
Water well and feed generously; it is a hungry, fast grower. Remove dead leaves and extra suckers to keep one clean fan.
Harvest and use
Grown for shelter, building material and wildlife, not food. The bright blue seeds are a curiosity; the dried leaves make long-lasting thatch.
What to watch for
Wind and cold. The water in the leaf bases is stagnant, so it is no longer a recommended drink.
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More native and wild plants
General guidance, not professional advice. Conditions vary by yard and year; for local specifics ask your county extension office. Never eat a wild plant you cannot identify with certainty. Traditional uses are shared as history, not medical advice. © 2026 Sean Priest · Irie Orchard. Terms & credits · Privacy · Home