Ravenala madagascariensis Sonn.
Traveller’s tree
Evergreen tree with an open, fan-like crown, usually 20 m tall leaves banana-like 25-4 m long The large white flowers are structurally similar to those of its relatives, the bird-of-paradise flowers Strelitzia nicolai, but are generally considered less attractive, with a green bract[6] 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
Soil: deep fertile, organically rich, moderate moist, well-drained loams
Ornamental plant. the plant produces an edible seed that is sometimes gathered from the wild for local use. It gains its common name from the fact that copious amounts of rainwater and liquid plant secretions can collect in the leaf bases and leaf bracts of the plant - these have been used as refreshment by thirsty travelers.
Urania madagascariensis (Sonn) Raeusch
.The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and Mazhar Botanic Garden does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes.
