ravenala

‖n. [ Malagasy. ] (Bot.) A genus of plants related to the banana. [ 1913 Webster ]

☞ Ravenala Madagascariensis, the principal species, is an unbranched tree with immense oarlike leaves growing alternately from two sides of the stem. The sheathing bases of the leafstalks collect and retain rain water, which flows freely when they are pierced with a knife, whence the plant is called traveler's tree. [ 1913 Webster ]