A remarkable tree, native of Madagascar and Reunion, with a straight stem reaching 30 ft. in height and bearing at the top a number of large long-stalked leaves which spread vertically like a fan. The leaf has a large sheath at the base in which water collects in such quantity as to yield a copious draught - hence the popular name. The plant is known botanically as Rarenala Madagascariensis and belongs to the same family as the banana (Musaceae).