70. Strelitziaceae

 

The traveller's tree, Ravenala madagasceriensis (seen above), is one of nature's curiosities. As the name suggests, it's a native of Madagascar, but nowadays grows throughout the tropics. The above photo was taken by the blogger on Bannister Island, Belize. As a result of allopatric speciation, Madagascar has produced more than its share of unique, eyebrow-raising organisms, and the traveller's tree is a fine example.

Strelitziaceae is a small, tropical family, closely related to the banana family (Musaceae). The most famous member is bird-of-paradise, Strelitzia regina. Along with Ravenala and Strelitzia, there is only one other genus, Phenakospermum. The single species in this genus -- Phenakospermum guyannense -- is as weird and exotic looking as its name suggests.