Raffia

Botanical Name: Raphia
Meaning: Needle
Origin: Madagascar

Raffia is characterized by multiple stems, apically covered with the remains of the leaf bases interspersed with long dark fibres. Its leaves are pinnate, erect and apically recurved.

Flowers are unisexual, clustered in apical and conspicuously branched inflorescenes bear several male flowers. Fruits are large, ovoid, pointed and covered with hard, glossy, imbricate scales.

Dried raffia is widely used in making a fiber largely used in floriculture and horticulture. These are used to make ties and woven articles. It is also used to build houses and make furniture. They are used as a wonderful package accents for gifts. They are a wonderful natural accent.