Traveller's Palm

Traveller's palm (Ravenala madagascariensis) is a tropical evergreen whose enormous leaves form a distinctive upright fan. Although its common name includes “palm,” it is a flowering member of Strelitziaceae, native to Madagascar, with a trunk-like stem and white flowers. ## Site and landscape use Provide full sun, organically rich, well-drained loam, and enough space for the fan to spread. A mature plant is commonly about 30–50 feet tall and 15–25 feet wide. The bold leaf arrangement works as a tropical focal point or screen in warm climates and protected courtyards. ## Seasonal interest White flowers emerge among the leaf bases, with flowering most often in summer and occasional blooms at other times. The large, paddle-shaped leaves remain evergreen and give the plant its strongest year-round effect. Shelter the leaves from strong winds, which can split or tear them. ## Maintenance Keep the root zone evenly moist while the plant is growing, without leaving it in waterlogged soil. Remove offsets if a single-trunk, tree-like outline is desired, and protect it from cold. Sources: [NC State plant profile](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/ravenala-madagascariensis/).