\Rav`e*na"la\, n. [Malagasy.] (Bot.)
A genus of plants related to the banana.
Note: {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 {traveller's tree}.