Traveller’s tree

The “traveller’s tree” spreads its leaves in a gigantic fan – Madagascar’s most recognisable plant and its unofficial symbol.

The traveller’s tree looks like a palm but is a relative of the bird of paradise flower. From a trunk 7–15 m tall rises a fan of enormous, paddle-shaped leaves arranged in a single plane. Rainwater collects at the bases of the leaf stalks, and according to tradition thirsty travellers could drink it – hence the name. The seeds are wrapped in a bright blue aril, and the flowers are pollinated by lemurs, among other animals. In the east of the island the leaves are used for thatching, the leaf stalks for building walls and the bark for the floors of traditional houses.

Significance in the country

The name ravinala means “leaf of the forest” in Malagasy. The plant is a national emblem – it featured in the logo of the national airline Air Madagascar, and its fans dominate the landscape of the east coast.

Where it grows

The east coast and slopes, from Diana and Sava in the north to Anosy in the south – especially abundant on degraded land where rainforest has been cleared; also planted throughout the country.

More: Wikipedia (en) Wikipedia (pl)