Botanical Name: Raphia
Meaning: Needle
Origin: Madagascar
Raffia is characterized by multiple stems, apically covered with the
remains of the leafbases 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.
