Traveler's Palm Tree (Ravenala madagascariensis)
10.8 هزار بار بازدید -
3 سال پیش
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Ravenala is a genus of
Ravenala is a genus of flowering plants with a single species, Ravenala madagascariensis, commonly known as the traveller's tree, traveller's palm or East-West palm, from Madagascar. It is not a true palm (family Arecaceae) but a member of a monocotyledonous flowering plant family, Strelitziaceae. The genus 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.
Traveller’s Palm is not a true palm, in fact it’s fanned branching structure and foliage are distinctively different from the typical palm. The common name comes from the plant’s unique, somewhat two-dimensional fan of foliage that tends to align in an east-west direction when growing in its natural habitat. As a result of this interesting growth habit a wandering traveler could use this tree to gain a sense of direction, just like a compass. This “flat” fan of foliage enables it to be used in places where height is desired without taking up a wide range of space. 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. 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.
This tricky plant belongs to the Strelitziaceae family (it was classified in the Musaceae aka banana tree family for a long time), hence a close relative to the South-African Strelitzia reginae and S. nicolai but the genus Ravenala has only one species. The third genus within the family is also a mono-specific one this time from South America: Phenakospermum guyannense (from the Guyanas as you might expect) a poorly known plant rarely grown out of its native area where it thrives in wet lowlands. Anyway let us get back to our "ravinala" which in the Malagasy language means "forest leaves" and is a quite useful tree. Did you read that right? A tree? Yes although the plant can reach 8m (24 ft) high, it does not actually build a trunk made of true wood but a "stipe" like palm trees do, a fibrous structure lacking cambium.
The scientific name Ravenala comes from Malagasy ravinala meaning "forest leaves".
The enormous paddle-shaped leaves are borne on long petioles, in a distinctive fan shape aligned in a single plane (distichous). 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. These flowers, upon being pollinated, produce brilliant blue seeds. 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. Of the four forms, varieties or subspecies, the largest is the "Bemavo", from the hills of eastern Madagascar, which can be 100 feet (30 metres) in height with a trunk 2 feet (60 cm) thick. The foliar fan consists of 20 to 35 leaves, each as much as 36 feet (11 metres) in length.
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. 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.
On Madagascar, locals believe that if you stand in front of a traveler's tree and make a wish with a pure and willing mind this wish will come true so next time you meet such a tree while strolling around give it a try, you may end up fulfilling your wildest dreams!
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Traveller’s Palm is not a true palm, in fact it’s fanned branching structure and foliage are distinctively different from the typical palm. The common name comes from the plant’s unique, somewhat two-dimensional fan of foliage that tends to align in an east-west direction when growing in its natural habitat. As a result of this interesting growth habit a wandering traveler could use this tree to gain a sense of direction, just like a compass. This “flat” fan of foliage enables it to be used in places where height is desired without taking up a wide range of space. 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. 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.
This tricky plant belongs to the Strelitziaceae family (it was classified in the Musaceae aka banana tree family for a long time), hence a close relative to the South-African Strelitzia reginae and S. nicolai but the genus Ravenala has only one species. The third genus within the family is also a mono-specific one this time from South America: Phenakospermum guyannense (from the Guyanas as you might expect) a poorly known plant rarely grown out of its native area where it thrives in wet lowlands. Anyway let us get back to our "ravinala" which in the Malagasy language means "forest leaves" and is a quite useful tree. Did you read that right? A tree? Yes although the plant can reach 8m (24 ft) high, it does not actually build a trunk made of true wood but a "stipe" like palm trees do, a fibrous structure lacking cambium.
The scientific name Ravenala comes from Malagasy ravinala meaning "forest leaves".
The enormous paddle-shaped leaves are borne on long petioles, in a distinctive fan shape aligned in a single plane (distichous). 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. These flowers, upon being pollinated, produce brilliant blue seeds. 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. Of the four forms, varieties or subspecies, the largest is the "Bemavo", from the hills of eastern Madagascar, which can be 100 feet (30 metres) in height with a trunk 2 feet (60 cm) thick. The foliar fan consists of 20 to 35 leaves, each as much as 36 feet (11 metres) in length.
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. 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.
On Madagascar, locals believe that if you stand in front of a traveler's tree and make a wish with a pure and willing mind this wish will come true so next time you meet such a tree while strolling around give it a try, you may end up fulfilling your wildest dreams!
#Tree #Traveler's Palm Tree #Ravenala madagascariensis #Ravenala #Useful Tropical Plants #Fan Shaped Banana Tree #Traveler's Palm #fan banana tree #banana fan palm #traveler's tree #Palm Tree Passion #Green leaf pattern of the Fan Palm #Nature plant #fan palm #monstera #banana leaves #Palm Varieties #Beautiful Indoor Palms #Types of Palm Trees #Traveller's Palm #Traveller's Tree #Pokok Travelers #Pisang Kipas #旅人蕉,扇芭蕉 #Houseplants #How To Grow Travelers Palm Tree #ravenala madagascariensis #travellers palm #palma del viajero #gardening plants #Ornamental Plant #Maintain Fan Banana Flower #banana family #Musaceae
3 سال پیش
در تاریخ 1400/02/26 منتشر شده
است.
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