Ravenala

Ravenala madagascariensis
Traveller's palm
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Monocots
(unranked): Commelinids
Order: Zingiberales
Family: Strelitziaceae
Genus: Ravenala
Adans.
Species: R. madagascariensis
Binomial name
Ravenala madagascariensis
Sonn.

Ravenala madagascariensis, commonly known as traveller's tree or traveller's palm, is a species of plant from Madagascar. It is not a true palm (family Arecaceae) but a member of the bird-of-paradise family, Strelitziaceae. Ravenala madagascariensis is the sole member of the genus Ravenala, and is closely related to the southern African genus Strelitzia and the South American genus Phenakospermum. Some older classifications include these genera in the banana family (Musaceae). Although it is usually considered to be a single species, four different forms have been distinguished.[1][2]

Name

It has been given the name "traveller's palm" because the sheaths of the stems hold rainwater, which supposedly could be used as an emergency drinking supply for needy travellers.[3] However, the water inside the plant is murky, black and smelly and should not be consumed without purification. Another plausible reason for its name is that the fan tends to grow on an east-west line, providing a crude compass.[4]

The scientific name Ravenala comes from Malagasy ravinala meaning "forest leaves".[5]

Description

The enormous paddle-shaped leaves are borne on long petioles, in a distinctive fan shape aligned in a single plane. The large white flowers are structurally similar to those of its relatives, the bird-of-paradise flowers Strelitzia reginae and Strelitzia nicolai, but are generally considered less attractive, with a green bract.[6] In tropical and subtropical regions, the plant is widely cultivated for its distinctive habit and foliage. As the plant grows older, it progressively loses the lowest or oldest leaves and reveals a sturdy grey trunk.

Ecology

Ruffed lemurs are a known pollinator of this plant, and given the size and structure of the inflorescences, as well as the lemur's selectivity, method of feeding, and long muzzle, this relationship is thought to have coevolved.[7]

Culture

The plant requires a sunny spot (not full sun until it is larger). It responds well to fertiliser, especially if it is high in nitrogen during the growing season. This produces better growth and foliage. The plant grows to an average height of 7 m (23 ft) and requires moderate water.

Gallery

Ravenala madagascariensis
Use in urban setting 
In a park of Phnom Penh 
Travellers Palm and flower, India 
Detail of a leaf's structure 
Seeds 
Bark 
The old petioles dry out brown 

References

  1. ↑ Patrick Blanc, Nelson Rabenandrianina, Annette Hladik, and Claude Marcel Hladik (1999). "Les formes sympatriques et allopatriques du genre Ravenala dans les forêts et les milieux ouverts de l'est de Madagascar". Revue d'Ecologie, Terre et Vie 54: 201–223.
  2. ↑ P. Blanc, A. Hladik, N. Rabenandrianina, J.S. Robert and C.M. Hladik (2003). "Strelitziaceae: The variants of Ravenala in natural and anthropogenic habitats". In Goodman, S.M. & Benstead, J. The Natural History of Madagascar. The University of Chicago Press, Chicago & London. pp. 472–476.
  3. ↑ McLendon, Chuck (May 16, 2000). "Ravenala madagascariensis". Floridata.com. Retrieved September 14, 2009.
  4. ↑ "Botanical Journeys Plant Guides". www.botanical-journeys-plant-guides.com. 2008–2010. Retrieved Feb 28, 2011.
  5. ↑ Sargent, Charles Sprague (1893). "Garden and Forest: A Journal of Horticulture, Landscape Art and Forestry" 6 (282). Garden and Forest Publishing Company.
  6. ↑ M. Calley, R. W. Braithwaite and P. G. Ladd (1993). "Reproductive Biology of Ravenala madagascariensis Gmel. as an Alien Species". Biotropica 25 (1): 61–72. doi:10.2307/2388979.
  7. ↑ Garbutt, Nick (2007). Mammals of Madagascar, A Complete Guide. A&C Black Publishers. pp. 170–175. ISBN 978-0-300-12550-4.

External links