RAVENALA madagascariensis - Travelers Palm

The Traveler's Palm is one of nature's most distinctive and remarkable plants with enormous paddle-shaped leaves 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.

Originates from Madagascar.

Prefers rich moist well-drained soil in a protected sunny warm position, drought and frost tender.

Grow notes:

Although seed can be sown most of the year in many parts of Australia seed is generally best sown in spring or autumn, avoid the coldest and hottest months of the year. The optimum germination temperature for germination is around 28-30°C

1. Soak in water for 2 days removing any skin remaining on the seed. Change water daily.
2. Sow the seed 6-8mm deep.
3. Water with a fine mist spray to avoid disturbance of the seed.
4. Maintain heat, germination will be extended by cool temperatures.
5. Ensure the mix is moist but not waterlogged.
6. Germination generally occurs in around 30 days in the right conditions but may take longer in cool conditions.

General note: Seeds of many natives are dormant and require specific conditions or pre-treatment for germination.
Do not be too hasty to discard seed that does not germinate, seeds will often lay dormant until the conditions are similar to their natural requirements for germination to occur. Containers put to one side will often surprise long after they were discarded.