Botanical Description
The Traveler's Palm (Ravenala madagascariensis) is a fan-shaped evergreen tree native to Madagascar of medium height. Its leaves are large, around 4 meters long, with long petioles reaching 2 meters with a strong resemblance to the leaves of a banana. The trunk can reach up to 12 inches in diameter with distinct leaf scarring from its leaf sheaths. Its common name is due to its leaf sheaths that terminate into a large hollow at the base which can collect water, this water is used by thirsty travellers according to anecdotes. Flowers borne upon a spike inflorescence held by bracts, the fruit that develops is a 3-lobed dehiscent woody capsule that when mature reveals a black seed with a blue aril.
Uses:
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Cultivated in gardens worldwide due to its unique habit.
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The seed and its aril are edible, the heart of its trunk and the young leaves can also be eaten.
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The young leaves are used in traditional medicine for treating diabetes, kidney stones, and diarrhea to name a few.