Global Solutions Raffia Ribbon

Raffia palms (Raphia) are a genus of about twenty species of palms native to tropical regions of Africa, and especially Madagascar, with one species (R. taedigera) also occurring in Central and South America.

Raffia palms grow up to 16 m (52.5 ft) tall and are remarkable for their compound pinnate leaves, the longest in the plant kingdom. The plants are monocarpic, meaning that they flower once and then die after the seeds are mature. Some species have individual stems which die after fruiting, but have a root system which remains alive and sends up new stems which fruit.

It is the palms that have grown and died that are stripped and used for fiber, leaving new stems to reproduce. This is what makes raffia a highly renewable, environmentally-friendly resource for multiple uses.

R. taedigera is the source of raffia fibers, which are the veins of the leaves. Raffia fibre is widely used throughout the world. It is used in twine, rope, ribbon, baskets, placemats, hats, shoes, textiles and in local construction.

Plain raffia fibers are exported and used as garden ties or as a "natural" string in many countries. Especially when one wishes to graft trees, raffia is used to hold plant parts together as a more "natural" rope.

A strand of raffia has a maximum length of about 1.5 m and an irregular width.