An unusual plant, the “Ravinala” or Traveller's Palm Tree is the emblematic tree of Madagascar. Ravinala belongs to the musaceae family – the same family as banana and palm trees – but also to the streliziacae family which includes plants from tropical regions such as South Africa’s bird of paradise.
The Ravinala generally grows to 15 to 20 meters; however, sometimes it can reach up to 30 meters. It remains a majestic tree which blooms all year round with its white flower – 3 sepals, 3 petals and 6 stamens – pollinated by bats and lemurs. On this plant, we can count up to 15 leaves that provide fruits similar to wooden bananas – like 6-pocket capsules – which contain a significant amount of floury seeds. Ravinala trees are found mainly in the eastern part of Madagascar and in areas where the ground tends to be cool and pretty humid.
It has been given the name Traveller’s Palm Tree because it contains a wealth of resources. The stems retain rainwater, and a thirsty traveler can quench his thirst by whipping the bark of the plant. The cavity within the lower branch – which is closed by the upper branch to serve as a funnel for each branch – stores drinkable water. The funnel in the shape of a small notch well placed enables water to pour down to these watertight cavities which can hold about half a liter of rainwater in under one minute.
Each section of a Ravinala tree is entirely usable for the inhabitants of the east coast of Madagascar. The base retains water which serves as a source of water for those who are thirsty. Its young leaves are edible, and its seeds are destined for oil production. Mixed and cooked with milk, ravinala seeds are particularly recommended for growing children. The inhabitants of the east coast of the island also use the leaves of ravinala to produce handicrafts and to conserve their food.
There is a chance that you come across traditional dwellings made of ravinala tree parts: the trunk helps to create the "rapaka" which are the planks used mainly for flooring; the stalk of the split leaves turns into the "falafa" and serve to make panels which, once joined together, will form walls; the dried leaves or "raty" are used as roofing tiles.
The Traveller’s Palm Tree constitutes a tremendous pride for Malagasy people. An image of Ravinala is found in the emblem of the Republic of Madagascar along with the head of a zebu and rice field. Many organizations, companies, or even small associations use the world "Ravinala" in their brand names to refer to Madagascar or insert a Ravinala sign on their logos or visual identities.

Sources: Tongasoa Madagascar, aujardin info