bio.wikisort.org - Plant

Ravenala is a genus of monocotyledonous flowering plants. Classically, the genus was considered to include a single species, Ravenala madagascariensis, commonly known as the traveller's tree, traveller's palm or East-West palm, from Madagascar. It is not a true palm (family Arecaceae) but a member of the family Strelitziaceae. The genus is closely related to the southern African genus Strelitzia and the South American genus Phenakospermum. Some older classifications include these genera in the banana family (Musaceae). Although it is usually considered to be a single species, four different forms have been distinguished.[2][3] Five other species were described in 2021, all from Madagascar: Ravenala agatheae Haev. & Razanats., R. blancii Haev., V.Jeannoda & A.Hladik, R. grandis Haev., Razanats, A.Hladik & P.Blanc, R. hladikorum Haev., Razanats., V. Jeannoda & P.Blanc, R. madagascariensis Sonn., et R. menahirana Haev. & Razanats.[4]

Ravenala
Conservation status
Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Monocots
Clade:	Commelinids
Order:	Zingiberales
Family:	Strelitziaceae
Genus:	Ravenala Adans.
Species:	R. madagascariensis
Binomial name
Ravenala madagascariensis Sonn.

Name

It has been given the name "traveller's palm" because the sheaths of the stems hold rainwater, which supposedly could be used as an emergency drinking supply for needy travellers.[5] Another plausible reason for its name is that the fan tends to grow on an east–west line, providing a crude compass.

The scientific name Ravenala comes from Malagasy ravinala or ravina ala meaning "forest leaves".[6][7]

Description

The enormous paddle-shaped leaves are borne on long petioles, in a distinctive fan shape aligned in a single plane (distichous). 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.[8] These flowers, upon being pollinated, produce brilliant blue seeds. In tropical and subtropical regions, the plant is widely cultivated for its distinctive habit and foliage. As the plant grows older, it progressively loses the lowest or oldest leaves and reveals a sturdy grey trunk. Of the four forms, varieties or subspecies, the largest is the "Bemavo", from the hills of eastern Madagascar, which can be 100 feet (30 metres) in height with a trunk 2 feet (60 cm) thick.[9] The foliar fan consists of 20 to 35 leaves, each as much as 36 feet (11  metres) in length.[10]

The chromosome number is 2n = 22.[11]

Range and habitat

Ravenala madagascariensis is widespread in Madagascar, including humid lowland forests, montane forests, grassland, and rocky areas, from sea level to 1,500 meters elevation.[1]

Ecology

Ruffed lemurs are a known pollinator of this plant, and given the size and structure of the inflorescences, as well as the lemur's selectivity, method of feeding, and long muzzle, this relationship is thought to have coevolved.[12]

Cultivation

The plant requires a sunny spot (not full sun until it is larger). It responds well to fertiliser, especially if it is high in nitrogen during the growing season. This produces better growth and foliage. The plant grows to an average height of 7 m (23 ft) and requires moderate water.

Gallery

References

External links

• Floridata.com: Ravenala madagascariensis
• Madacamp.com/Ravinala
• University of Florida — Ravenala madagascariensis

На других языках

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- [en] Ravenala

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[es] Ravenala madagascariensis

Ravenala madagascariensis, llamada comúnmente árbol del viajero o palma del viajero (aunque no se considera una verdadera palmera, sino una mezcla de platanera y palmera) es la única especie del género monotípico Ravenala. Forma parte de la familia Strelitziaceae y está estrechamente emparentado con el ave del paraíso. Es endémica de Madagascar donde habita renovales.[2]

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[ru] Равенала

Равена́ла (лат. Ravenala) — монотипный род семейства Стрелициевые (Strelitziaceae), включающий единственный вид кустарниковых растений — Де́рево путеше́ственников, или Равена́ла мадагаска́рская (лат. Ravenala madagascariensis).

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