Ravenala

Family: Strelitziaceae
Scientific name: Ravenala madagascariensis
Common name: Traveller’s Palm
Native to: Madagascar

In many tropical regions the traveller’s palm can be found due to being planted as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks. Originally the plant comes from Madagascar where it can reach an height of up to 18 meters, however indoors the plant remains a reasonable height and makes a great houseplant. The name originates from the story in old travel books, where it was said to have great use for travellers. Water would collect in the leaf axillaries of the tree, which are quite large due to the leaf position. That water could be used as drinking water. The leaves are also said to grow in a north-south orientation so they could be used as a natural compass.