Raphia gentiliana

Raphia (rahf-EE-ah) gentiliana (jehn-tihl-ee-AHN-ah)
Bas-Congo. Photo by Scamperdale.
Scientific Classification
Genus: Raphia (rahf-EE-ah) Species: gentiliana (jehn-tihl-ee-AHN-ah)
Synonyms
None set.
Native Continent
America
Morphology
Habit: Solitary Leaf type: Pinnate
Culture
Survivability index
Common names
Koko, nkula (Congo)

Habitat and Distribution

Central African Republic, and Zaire. Congo, Democratic

Congo. Photo by Paul Latham.

Republic, Bas-Congo, Kasangulu, Bemba.

Description

Moderate, apparently solitary palm; stem 6 m long with leaves up to 10 m long, arching away from the axis; leaflets to 120 on each side of rachis; inflorescences pendant, 2 m long; fruits variable in shape, ranging from tapering club shaped to more globose or ellipsoid-ovoid, 4-6.5 cm long and 3-3.5 cm in diameter, covered by yellowish-brown brown scales which become darker at maturity. (Palms of Africa)

Culture

Cold Hardiness Zone: 10a

Comments and Curiosities

Uses: The leaf stems are used for making hammocks, beds and various items of furniture. Traditionally fibres from the young leaves were used to weave Mbari, a loin cloth worn for dances. The palm is tapped for palm wine. Honeybees collect nectar from some species and may be responsible for pollination.