Is grown in all areas of Pakistan and can be grown also in mild colder regions of NWFP
Frost Tender
Preferably should be grown in milder cold areas. Mature traveler's Tree's are considered cold hardy in frost-free locations
Exposure
This tree grows best in full sun area but can be grown also in part sun/shade area
Soil pH
tolerates all types of soil
Propagation
Suckers mainly or by seeds which are slow to germinate
Uses
Ornamental mainly but as the common name of this plant suggests its use, for, if a hole is bored through a leaf base near the stem, up to a pint of remarkably good drinking water wells out helping quench the thirst of weary travellers
Other Details
"Because of its curious appearance and remarkable fan shaped leaves , the Travellers-Tree bears similarity to both Banana and Palm plants. It tends to produce suckers and also produces seeds which I have yet to see and they supposedly blue in colour. It’s still a mystery that why the colour of seeds is blue? Botanists believe it is related to Lemurs who along with this plant are found in Madagascar only. Lemurs pollinate this tree by sticking their long tongues to reach the nectars inside the flowers and by doing so transfer pollen from plant to plant. Upon successful pollination the seeds pods develop. The fuzzy blue appendage attached to seeds is eaten and fancied by Lemurs who also help to disperse seeds and are only capable of seeing green or blue colour. It is commonly available in all nurseries.
All Images and text contributed by: Imran Khurram (with thanks).
