About

Ravenea is a genus of 20 known species of palms, all native to Madagascar and the Comoros. It is not to be confused with Ravenala, a genus of superficially palm-like plants also from Madagascar.

They are small to large, dioecious palms, with solitary, robust grey stems, swollen at base and gradually tapering upward. The species vary greatly in size, with R. hildebrandtii and R. nana only reaching 4 m, while R. robustior and R. sambiranensis both reach 30 m. The leaves are up to 2–5 m long, pinnately compound, reduplicate, erect at first then arching, twisted near the apex; with numerous crowded narrow ribbed leaflets. The inflorescence is short, borne among the leaves; the fruit is a red drupe. One particular species, Ravenea rivularis, is commonly cultivated as a houseplant and grown indoors all over the world.

How to grow it

Ravenea rivularis (majesty palm) is widely cultivated in subtropical regions, and it is sold commercially as a houseplant. It is an adaptable palm that looks somewhat similar to the ever-popular queen palm. It is a very large palm with a large, untidy crown. It has symmetrical leaves and develops an attractive swollen base of the trunk. Majesty palms prefer full sun, plenty of water, and high humidity to ensure healthy growth. It is tolerant of different soil types. Propagation is by seeds, which germinate in 2–3 months.

Other Ravenea plants

Ravenea albicans · Ravenea beentjei · Ravenea delicatula · Ravenea dransfieldii · Ravenea glauca · Ravenea hildebrandtii · Ravenea hypoleuca · Ravenea julietiae · Ravenea krociana · Ravenea lakatra · Ravenea latisecta · Ravenea louvelii