| Genus -
Ravenala |
|
| Monotypic genus
(ie, a genus containing only one species) |
| Family:
Strelitziaceae |
| Common
Names: Travellers Tree, Travellers
Palm, Nepal Laburnum, Arbol del viajero. |
| Growth
Rate: Very fast. This
plant needs plenty of water and fertiliser in the
summer months. |
| Height:
18m |
| Position:
Full sun to part shade. |
| Propagation:
Seeds, suckers, rhizome division. |
| Seed germination
level: Moderate to difficult. |
| Hardiness:
Tender |
| Soil:
Grows well on moist and rich sandy loam and clay
soils. Dry in winter. |
| Origin:
Madagascar |
| In my
opinion Ravenala - the traveller's palm is one of
the most beautiful and architectural plants on the
planet. It is not a true palm but a member of the
bird-of-paradise family (Strelitziaceae). Its
called the travellers palm because the stems hold
water that can be used by thirsty travellers. |
| In the
UK winter protection is required, grow in containers
or use a Plastic
Greenhouse over
the winter period. A thermostatic heater may be
required on frosty nights. Makes a good conservatory
plant (if you have the space). |
| Seed
Germination: Scrape off loose blue coating. Soak seeds
for 2 days in warm boiled water with Cheshunt Compound
or similar fungicide. Place in a sealed plastic bag with
slightly moist vermiculite or similar sterile growing
media. Place seeds in a well lit spot but out of direct
sunlight, at a constant 25°C and 30°C (75 to 90°F).
Small plants should be shaded until well
established. Pot size: Bigger the better. |
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