Ravenea rivularis - Majestic Palm

Ravenea rivularis is a majestic palm tree that has become rare in Madagascar where it thrives on the banks of rivers, with its feet cool but its head in the sun. It is recognised by its robust trunk, widened at the base, strongly ringed, very light, topped with a wide and pleasantly disordered crown composed of semi-arched, vivid bright green leaves. It is a fast-growing plant that will make a big impact in an exotic or contemporary setting. Tender, this tropical species must be cultivated in containers or large pots, which allows it to be protected from cold in winter. The Majestic Palm will adorn a conservatory or a very bright room that is not heated in winter. But its significant growth can become a disadvantage after a few years.

Ravenea rivularis belongs to Arecaceae (Palm) family. This species of wet tropical climate fears frost, but it adapts well to indoor cultivation as long as winter temperatures do not drop below 10 °C (50°F) and the atmosphere remains somewhat humid. Young plants take some time to establish, then growth accelerates significantly. In the ground, this palm tree can reach over 15 m (49ft) in height and 3 m (10ft) in width, but it will remain smaller if grown in a container and indoors or in a greenhouse. Its frost resistance is evaluated at -3 °C (26.6°F) at its peak, for a well-established subject.

The Majesty Palm develops a strong root system and a single, light beige-gray trunk, called a stipe, becoming almost white and strongly ringed. At the end of this trunk, a beautiful leaf crown develops, slightly trailing. It is composed of 6 to 28 large pinnate leaves, arranged spirally. Each leaf is divided into many narrow segments, arranged in a single plane, slightly pendulous. The leaves are bright, deep green and have a feathery appearance. Once dead, each leaf detaches from the trunk and falls to the ground. Flowering occurs in summer, on mature plants aged 10 to 11 years, and under favourable growing conditions. It takes the form of arched and branched inflorescences, emerging under the leaves. Each one has cream-coloured flowers that will produce ovoid, dark orange to bright red fruits.

Ravenea rivularis can only be cultivated in the open ground in the most protected gardens such as those of the Mediterranean or Atlantic coast. Elsewhere, it is an architectural plant that will make a statement in the veranda, greenhouse or a very bright and unheated room. It can be grown in containers for a few years and can be taken out on the terrace or balcony from May to September, after an acclimatisation period. Like all palm trees, it is difficult to associate with other plants, due to its strong personality: reserve a corner by the pool or a good spot on the terrace, initially exposing it to partial shade so that it gradually gets used to the sun. Surround it with Phormium, graphic, sober and colourful, precise and geometric agaves, or Cordyline for example.