The Raffia palm (Raphia) is a genus of tropical palms, native to tropical regions of Africa, Madagascar, Central America and South America. They are remarkable for their compound pinnate leaves, the longest in the plant kingdom; leaves up to 25 m long and 3m wide are known.

Cultivation and uses

The raffia palm has many uses, especially in the area of textiles, ropes, sticks and supporting beams made out of its fibrous branches and leaves. The palms are especially important in their native lands, where they are also used in construction. Raffia palm is also used to make wine, in societies such as that of the Nso of Cameroon, the Igbo of southestern Nigeria and the Yoruba of southwestern Nigeria, among several other West African ethnic nations.

External links

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• South Africa plants page

Palms

Raphia