Raphia australis

Raphia australis. Raphia australis is a stout, solitary stemmed, evergreen palm producing a central stem around 10 meters long. The stem is topped by a tight rosette of large, erect leaves that can be up to 18 meters long. The plants usually have pneumatophores (breathing roots) like mangroves, which is an adaptation for swampy ground. Sowing: The seed grows easily once the outer scales have been removed. Seedlings need filtered sunlight, plentiful water and protection from wind. Locality: Ex Hort. Harvest: November 2022