the traveller's tree is an exceptional, large, tropical plant. it is a unique plant. the thick, unbranched, palm-like stem is topped by a flat-planed, fan-shaped crown of leathery, banana-like green leaves. the base of the leaf stems features a near perfect chevron pattern, this plant's most valued feature. water often collects in these leaf bases, reputed to quench the thirst of jungle travellers. although this plant is called a palm; it is not a true palm. it has small white flowers. traveller's tree does not bloom until near maturity when it produces spathes, which are semi-woody enclosures and stems for the soft white flowers.