Travelers

Description

The beautiful and legendary travelers palm is actually not a palm at all, but spectacular palm-like imposter related to bananas and bird of paradise.

These plants grow to be enormous, with huge leaves sprouting from a long stems in a flat, fan-shaped pattern like a peacock’s tail.

The leaf bases create an intricate, overlapping pattern.

The leaves collect rainwater which flows into the plant’s stems, base, and even its flowers, ready to aid a thirsty traveler.

Though it will eventually grow a trunk, this plant needs a wide berth when young.

Because of the immense width and height proportions, this is one of those South Florida “palms” that work best in more expansive landscapes and with larger homes.

It grows to a height of 30 to 50 feet (9.1-15.2 m.) with a spread of 20 to 30 feet.