Traveller's tree Ravenala madagascariensis
Traveller's tree (Ravenala madagascariensis) is an evergreen perennial tree in the Strelitziaceae family, native to Madagascar (rainforest edges). It grows 7–15 m (23–49 ft) tall and 4–7 m (13–23 ft) wide, wants full sun and high water, and is hardy to about 7 °C (45 °F). Space plants about 5 m (16 ft) apart.
Plan Traveller's tree in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Traveller's tree at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Strelitziaceae |
| Mature height | 7–15 m (23–49 ft) |
| Mature spread | 4–7 m (13–23 ft) |
| Spacing | 5 m (16 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | High; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About 7 °C (45 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 11) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 38 °C (100 °F) |
| Flowering | from about June for 9–17 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | None |
| Pollinator value | Low |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Madagascar (rainforest edges) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇸🇬 Singapore, 🇧🇷 Brazil |
Is Traveller's tree toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
No toxicity reported.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Traveller's tree
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and high water.
See Traveller's tree in a botanical garden
It grows in this sample garden, which you can walk through in 3D:
- Kew: glasshouses and rock garden (1 plants)
Questions about Traveller's tree
- How far apart should I plant Traveller's tree?
- About 5 m (16 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 4–7 m (13–23 ft).
- Does Traveller's tree need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Traveller's tree need?
- High water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Traveller's tree?
- It tolerates about 7 °C (45 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 11.
- When does Traveller's tree flower?
- From about June for 9–17 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Traveller's tree poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people not known to be toxic. No toxicity reported.
- What grows well with Traveller's tree?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Traveller's tree. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (high).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- UF/IFAS Extension tropical and subtropical fruit and landscape publications, University of Florida
- Flora & Fauna Web, National Parks Board, Singapore
Notes and assumptions
- Tropical: outdoors only in frost-free climates; in temperate gardens grow it under heated glass (as in the Kew Palm House).
- Banana-like leaves in one flat fan; seeds have a vivid blue aril, pollinated by lemurs in the wild.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Bird of paradise Strelitzia reginae
- Giant white bird of paradise Strelitzia nicolai
- Dwarf mountain pine Pinus mugo
- Japanese maple Acer palmatum
- Black walnut Juglans nigra
- English yew Taxus baccata
- Serviceberry Amelanchier canadensis
- Japanese flowering cherry Prunus serrulata