Raffia Palm Facts
The raffia palm is native to the island of Madagascar as well as much of the African continent, especially the eastern coast, equatorial central Africa, and parts of the western coast. It also grows wild in parts of South America.
-
Flowering
-
The name raffia is derived from the Greek word raphis, which means "needle," and is a reference to the tree's sharp-pointed, scaly fruit. The raffia palm flowers just once during a period of 40 to 50 years and then bears fruit. After bearing fruit, the flower stem eventually dies, although the tree will develop new stems.
Leaves
-
The raffia palm has the longest leaves in the plant kingdom. They can grow up to 80 feet in length, according to the Plant Hall of Fame at InfoPlease.com.
Uses
-
According to the Botany Department at Italy's University of Catania, the raffia palm has many uses. Its leaves yield natural wax polish suitable for shining shoes or cleaning floors and furniture. Fiber for weaving clothing, hats, baskets and other products also comes from the leaves. Much like bamboo, the raffia palm's leaf petioles are flexible but sturdy enough to be used in making furniture or even building houses. One can also extract sage flour for cooking from its stem pith before it flowers.
-
