Raffia palm
From Freepedia
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About 25-30 species, including: |
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.
