Clump-forming palm-like tree with unbranched trunks to 10 m or more tall, the upper part covered with leaf bases. Leaves 3-4 m long, like those of the banana, arranged in 2 ranks to form a spectacular fan shape; blades paddle-shaped and generally split; stalks channelled, sheathing at the base, about as long as the blades. Flowers white with 6 stamens. Fruit capsule containing numerous seeds with bright blue arils. Grown in warm climate gardens for the strongly architectural fan-like foliage.
Madagascar
Source: (2005). Strelitziaceae. In: . Horticultural Flora of South-eastern Australia. Volume 5. Flowering plants. Monocotyledons. The identification of garden and cultivated plants. University of New South Wales Press.
