Madagascar Ravenea palm
Ravenea madagascariensis

Family: Arecaceae

What it is like

A palm. It grows to 20 m high. The trunk can be 15-20 cm across. The leaf crown forms half a circle. The leaves are 2-3.3 m long. They often have a twist along their length. They are on stout light coloured leaf stalks which are 30-60 cm long. The leaflets are 60-100 cm long and can be flat or in a V shape. The fruit are 6 mm across. They are round and orange when ripe.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in rainforest and dry evergreen forest in Madagascar. It suits humid locations. It grows from sea level to 1400 m altitude. It can tolerate some cold.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Australia, East Africa, Madagascar

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Cabbage, palm heart

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Ravenea madagascariensis var. monticola Jum. & H. Perrier;