This fine specimen of the Travellers' Palm Ravenala madagascarensis is in the 18th century garden of Tipu Sultan's Palace in Bangalore. Although it is called a palm, it really belongsto the Bird of Paradise family. Its common name has come because the sheaths of its stem hold rain water. Travellers in the olden days made use of this. The flowers of this plant resemble those of Strelitzia , but they are white.This is my contribution to Skywatch Friday.
You can see some stunning pictures of the sky at http://skyley.blogspot.com
Incredible plant!
ReplyDeleteVery distinctive and beautiful plant.
ReplyDeleteWhat a unique plant! Hope you have a great day and a lovely weekend!
ReplyDeleteSylvia
I've always thought that a well grown plant like this looks like a bird flapping its wings... do you see it too?
ReplyDeleteNow that is downright awesome....good choice.
ReplyDeleteA spectacular tree for sure... I wonder how old it is.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful - I have never seen this plant before. It certainly makes a lovely ornament in front of the sky.
ReplyDeletean amazing plant and thank you for the information
ReplyDeleteI am always fascinated by this plant. Great shot.
ReplyDeleteRohrerbot, I was surprised to know that it belongs nither to the palm nor the banana family, although its leaves resemble both.
ReplyDeleteCarver,it is an unusual plant, isn't it.
Sylvia, thank you.
Rainforest Gardener, Yes, I see what you mean. It is like a bird- a peacock, maybe:)
Welcome, Wanda, and thanks.
Shailaja, I couldn't find its age. The gardens were laid out in @1753.
Wren, yes, it is an unusual plant.
Magiceye, I'll be posting more about Tippu Sultan's palace.
Indrani, thanks for your comment.
it's dramatic against the grey sky.
ReplyDeletegood info on this plant.
A unique plant to view the sky through.
ReplyDeletewhat an awesome photo
ReplyDeletebeautiful..will take some tips from u regarding my garden
ReplyDeleteI love this palm too, there are are many here in Singapore.
ReplyDeleteHow dramatic! Incredible creature... it looks like there are some sort of flowers trying to come out of it. Makes quite a statement in any landscape! ;>)
ReplyDeleteA majestic plant fit for a king. Very grand looking. At first glance, I thought it is a palm, but the leaves look like banana leaves, perhaps that's why they are in the Zingiberales order.
ReplyDeleteI can't wait for your post about the Tippu Sultan's Palace. Keep posting, yeah ;-)
Although this plant is common here, I've never looked at it from the angle that you've photographed. It looks even better than in real. Spectacular!
ReplyDeletehi! is it ok if i used this spectacular picture in the next edition of the festival of the trees (festivalofthetrees.wordpress.com) that i will be hosting on my blog?
ReplyDeletethank you