Traveler's Palm Could Save Your Life

Dr Abe V Rotor

Water stored in the leaf axils of Traveler's Palm (Ravenala madagascariensis) is likened to a living oasis to weary travelers lost in the forest or crossing uncharted open fields. Other than emergency source of drinking water, its seeds are edible and are gathered by natives of the place.   Author demonstrates how the water is tapped like  miniature spring.  UST Botanical Garden.  Manila 

Gardeners are fascinated by the neat and orderly fan-like leaf arrangement of traveler's palm. Today the palm is one of the popular ornamental trees in homes and parks in the tropical and sub-tropical regions.  Natives claim that the plants follow a common pattern and direction which serve as living compass when lost in the forest or in the open, hence the name of the plant. 

Right photo shows the inflorescence or flower clusters from which seedlings develop and subsequently disseminated. The other means of propagation is by means of suckers (like the banana). 

Traveler's palm was once classified with the banana Family Musaceae), but later classified under Family Strelitziaceae, to which the Bird-of-Paradise plant belongs. (Acknowledgement: Internet photos)

NOTE: Ravenala is a genus of flowering plants with a single species, Ravenala madagascariensis, commonly known as traveler's tree or traveler's palm. It is not a true palm but a member of a monocotyledonous flowering plant family, Strelitziaceae. In Madagascar where the plant is endemic, lemurs are astute pollinators of Ravenala; they use their long tongues to reach the deep seated water.