Travelers Palm / Traveller’s Tree

Scientific Name: Ravenala madagascariensis

Light Requirement: Full sun to partial shade. It performs best in bright, warm locations with enough space for the large fan-shaped growth.

Height: Typically 20–30 ft. tall in Florida landscapes, with a wide spread of about 15–25 ft.

Growth Habit: Moderate to fast-growing tropical plant with large banana-like leaves arranged in a flat fan shape. Although commonly called a palm, it is not a true palm.

Hardiness: USDA Zones 10b–11; cold sensitive and may be damaged by frost or freezing temperatures; moderately drought tolerant once established but looks best with regular irrigation; low to moderate salt tolerance and is best protected from heavy direct coastal salt spray.

Maintenance Info: Moderate maintenance. Remove torn, dead, or damaged leaves as needed to keep the plant clean. Give it plenty of room because the fan can become very wide and large leaves may interfere with structures, walkways, or nearby plants. It performs best in well-drained soil with regular watering and fertilizer during the growing season.

Best Uses in the Landscape: Excellent as a dramatic specimen plant, tropical focal point, pool-area accent, courtyard feature, large entryway planting, or backdrop in a tropical landscape bed. It works best in open areas where its full fan shape can be seen and appreciated.

Plant Info: Travelers Palm is native to Madagascar and is known for its striking flat fan of large leaves. Its name comes from the idea that rainwater collects in parts of the plant, which travelers could supposedly use as an emergency water source. Its bold shape gives landscapes a resort-style tropical look, but it needs room to grow and protection from cold weather.