Traveller's Palm

Ravenala madagascariensis

Not really a palm, but it certainly has a tropical look, with its huge banana-like leaves arranged in a fan pattern. Far too big and invasive for modern suburban gardens. If you can get hold of a plant, you might like to keep it in a pot or contained area for fast tropical effects.

Clean off dead leaves and flowers regularly and remove unwanted suckers to keep it looking tidy.

Because these are no longer regularly grown, you may find this plant difficult to buy. Tropical plant specialists might have it for sale.

Traveller's Palm in the Landscape

Click for larger images. These photographs have been provided to give you an idea of the size and shape of this plant and show its characteristics in case you are trying to determine whether you have a travellers palm or the white bird of paradise Strelitzia nicolai.