Raphia farinifera, commonly known as the Raffia Palm, is a tropical palm tree native to a variety of habitats including lowland rainforests, swamp forests, and areas surrounding human habitations in Africa. It is found across a broad range from Angola to Zimbabwe, including countries like Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Nigeria, Réunion, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, and Zambia, typically at altitudes ranging from 165 to 3,280 feet. This palm is notable for its massive pinnate fronds, which are among the longest in the plant kingdom, sometimes reaching over 20 feet in length.

The Raffia Palm is valued for its versatility and utility in cultivation. Its fronds are used for thatching roofs, plaiting mats, and in construction. The fibers extracted from the leaves, known as raffia, are used in basketry, textiles, and as packing material. Additionally, the sap can be tapped to produce palm wine, and various parts of the plant are used in traditional medicine. In cultivation, Raphia farinifera requires a tropical or subtropical climate with high humidity, consistent moisture, and well-draining soil. It thrives in full sun to partial shade. While it is not commonly grown in personal gardens due to its size, it is an important economic plant in regions where it is native. Gardeners should be aware that it can spread if conditions are favorable and may require space to accommodate its large fronds.CC BY-SA 4.0