Raphia farinifera
| Synonymy: Raphia ruffia | Distribution: East and central Africa, probaly introduced into Madagascar |
| Common names: Raffia palm | Conservation status: Not threatened |
Adult plant with sucker to the left.
The same plant as above several months later, now showing several inflorescences.
Juvenile plant.
This palm is a magnificent specimen species, reaching 40-60 feet in
height. The leaves of this species, which is a native of Africa, are of the longest in the
plant kingdom. It's sister species, Raphia regalis, has the longest leaves of
all, reaching up to 75 feet in length, and arising nearly from the ground, as the trunk is
quite short. Photos copyright © 1998, Jody Haynes; top and middle photos taken at Fairchild Tropical Garden, Miami, FL.
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