Raphia farinifera, known as the raffia palm, is a tropical African palm tree found in lowland riparian and swamp forests, as well as near human settlements and cultivated areas. It grows on stream banks and other moist locations at altitudes of 50–1000 m. The species is distributed across several African countries, including Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Nigeria, Réunion, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, and is naturalised in the east lowlands of Madagascar. The genus name is derived from 'raphis', meaning 'needle', likely referring to the spines on the leaflets. The specific name refers to the starchy flour obtained from the trunk pith.
Description
Raphia farinifera is a member of the Arecaceae family and is native to tropical Africa. It is commonly found in moist, lowland environments such as riparian and swamp forests, as well as near human habitations and cultivated land. The species thrives at elevations between 50 and 1000 m. Its distribution spans across multiple countries in Africa, including but not limited to Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Nigeria, Réunion, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. It has also become naturalised in the east lowlands of Madagascar. The name 'Raphia' is derived from the Greek word 'raphis', meaning 'needle', likely in reference to the spines on the leaflets. The specific epithet 'farinifera' refers to the starchy flour obtained from the trunk pith.
Other common names
Raphia Palmraffia palm
Distribution
SC · KM · Cameroon · BR · MG · Mare Aux Cochons · Morne Seychellois National Park · Global · Angola · Benin · Burkina · Comoros · Congo · Gambia · Ghana · Guinea · Ivory Coast · Kenya · Madagascar · Malawi · Mauritius · Mozambique · Nigeria · Réunion · Senegal · Seychelles · Sierra Leone · Tanzania · Togo · Trinidad-Tobago
Synonyms
Metroxylon ruffiaRaphia kirkiiRaphia kirkii var. grandisRaphia kirkii var. longicarpaRaphia lyciosaRaphia pedunculataRaphia polymitaRaphia ruffiaRaphia tamatavensisSagus fariniferaSagus pedunculataSagus ruffia
