Raffia palm

Raffia palms are a type of tropical palm tree. They are remarkable for their leaves, the longest in the plant kingdom – compound leaves up to 18m (60 feet) long and 4m (13 feet) wide. 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.