Arecaceae
Raphia farinifera
Raffia Palm · Mwale
T
Not currently in the nursery
We can propagate most native species on request — get in touch to discuss timeline and quantity.
About
This massive, monoecious palm can reach up to 25 metres tall, typically growing as a solitary trunk but sometimes clustering in mainland Africa. It is renowned for its gigantic pinnate leaves, which can extend up to 20 metres, making them among the longest in the plant kingdom. The tree produces ovoid fruits covered in glossy, golden-brown scales and yields commercially important raffia fibre from its young leaflets, alongside edible starch from its stems and sap for palm wine.
Where it works in Kilifi
Ideal for a Kilifi-coast garden, this palm thrives in full sun to half sun and requires consistently wet, fertile soil, tolerating heavy clay and loamy types. It performs well in moist, swampy areas or near water bodies, making it suitable as a striking specimen or for wetland restoration, requiring ample space with a recommended spacing of 6-12 metres.
Growing notes
Once established, the Raffia Palm grows extremely fast, though initial growth can be slow. It demands abundant water, especially in warm weather, needing frequent watering to prevent the soil from drying out, while avoiding waterlogging. This tropical palm is hardy in zones where temperatures do not fall below 10°C and can tolerate up to 43°C, but is sensitive to cool conditions and frost. Each stem is monocarpic, flowering once after 20-50 years before dying, and features leaflets with small, sharp spines.
Sources
Researched with web grounding from: palmpedia.net, llifle.eu, pfaf.org, prota4u.org, wikipedia.org, earthone.io. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.