The Traveler’s Palm, Ravenala madagascariensis, is a striking plant admired for its majestic, banana-like foliage. This article explores the characteristics of its fruit, including its appearance, edibility, and contents.
Understanding the Traveler’s Palm
Despite its common name, the Traveler’s Palm is not a true palm but belongs to the Strelitziaceae family, making it a relative of the bird of paradise plant. Native to Madagascar, this large plant is characterized by its fan-shaped arrangement of leaves. These paddle-shaped leaves can reach lengths of up to 10 feet, creating an impressive display. The plant’s name originates from its ability to collect rainwater in the bases of its leaf stalks, which served as an emergency water source for travelers.
Description of the Traveler’s Palm Fruit
The fruit of the Traveler’s Palm develops from its creamy white flowers, which can bloom year-round. These flowers are held within boat-shaped bracts, similar to its bird of paradise relatives. The fruit itself is a woody, brown capsule, typically three-lobed and measuring about 3 to 3.5 inches in length.
When mature, these capsules split open to reveal their contents. The fruit is generally not considered showy and does not attract wildlife. Its primary function is to house and protect the numerous seeds until they are ready for dispersal.
Edibility and Traditional Uses
The fleshy part of the Traveler’s Palm fruit surrounding the seeds is generally not consumed by humans or considered a primary food source. However, other parts of the plant, including the seeds and their vibrant blue coating, have been noted for their edibility. The blue, fibrous aril covering the seeds is edible, though often described as being tasteless.
Beyond the fruit, the plant’s mealy and oily seeds are also edible and can be processed for oil extraction. Traditionally, the sap from the plant’s leaf stalks can be tapped and boiled down into syrup. Young leaves can be cooked, though they may have a bitter taste, and in some Malagasy communities, the plant’s heart is prepared and eaten as a vegetable. Additionally, the large leaves have been used for construction, for shelter or flooring, and the plant has been used medicinally.
The Seeds Within
A striking feature of the Traveler’s Palm fruit is the bright blue seeds contained inside. Once the brown, woody capsules split open, they reveal numerous black seeds thinly covered with a glossy, vibrant blue aril. This vibrant blue color is unusual in nature and serves a specific purpose, thought to attract birds and lemurs in its native Madagascar, aiding in seed dispersal. Ruffed lemurs, which can see shades of blue and green, are particularly drawn to these seeds and play a role in their spread. The aril itself has a notable oil content, recorded at around 68%, while the seeds contain about 4% oil.