La raphia australis It is a variety of palm tree that impresses with its size and height. In fact, it has the longest leaves of all known plants, and for that reason alone it is capable of leaving us speechless when we look at it.
Today we invite you to discover in more depth this variety of palm tree native to Africa, and to distinguish it from other varieties that may be similar. Take good note, because it is sure to become one of your favorites.
Origin and natural habitat of the raphia australis
This is a palm tree native to Africa, native to tropical and subtropical regions. Its natural habitat is distributed between the western and central areas of the African continent. Although it is also possible to see specimens in eastern and southern Africa.
Due to habitat degradation to exploit resources, its presence in some areas is beginning to be threatened. It is not an endangered species, but there is concern about the need to conserve its natural habitat to guarantee its long-term survival, and the biodiversity associated with tropical ecosystems of Africa.
It is responsible for providing shelter and food for animals, and also helps stabilize soils and prevent erosion in coastal areas, making it a species with high value for the ecosystem.
In the wild this palm usually grows in coastal and riverine areas, although it can also grow in inland areas if sufficient moisture is available.
Physical characteristics of raphia australis
We have already seen where these palm trees develop and, with this, We can get an idea of what physical characteristics they have to adapt to the environment.
We are talking about a tree from the Arecaceae or palm family. This is one of the largest plant families ever dated, since It includes more than 2.600 species distributed throughout the world.
The raphia genus includes several species, but this time we focus on australis, which we can distinguish by the following features:
palm tree height
As we said before, this variety stands out for its height. In fully developed conditions, it can measure up to 25 meters in length, which makes it one of the tallest species of palm trees on the African continent.
Trunk
As with other varieties of palm tree, this one has a trunk that is thin and straight at its base, but that It can become thicker and even curved as it rises.
Its diameter It can vary between 20 and 40 centimeters, to be able to support the weight of the leaves, which are large in size.
The trunk can vary from grayish to brown, with a smooth texture that becomes rougher as the palm tree ages.
Raphia australis cup
One of the most distinctive features of this palm tree is its enormous, feathery-looking leaves. Listed as the largest leaves of all known plants, and the fact is that leaves up to 25 meters in length have been dated.
The leaf type is prototypical for palm trees, in which each leaf is made up of numerous narrow and flexible segments, with an intense green color and a soft and flexible texture. Its foliage generates a dense canopy with a lush appearance thanks to its arched shape.
Flowers and fruits
This palm produces small, discreet flowers that are grouped in inflorescences at the end of the branches. They are usually cream or pale yellow in color. Although they are not very showy flowers on their own, They are interesting to appreciate when the inflorescence of the palm tree is abundant.
Behind them some oval-shaped fruits emerge that have a single seed inside.. Depending on the species and growing conditions, The fruit can be fleshy or fibrous once it has ripened.
They are not fruits for human consumption, but they are good food for a wide variety of animals. This contributes to the dispersal of seeds and the appearance of new palm trees in different places.
Does your wood have commercial value?
Raphia australis is not a palm that is grown for its commercial value. As we have pointed out, its fruit is not edible for humans. Its wood has certain value in local contexts, but its commercial use is very limited.
This palm tree is not a source of wood production because its trunk is thin and fibrous, so it is not capable of producing a good amount of wood. On the other hand, it is a fibrous and soft wood that is not suitable for structural uses or for carpentry, because it can be easily deformed.
Conditions for good development of raphia australis
In order to grow and display its impressive size, This palm tree needs to be exposed to very specific conditions:
Climate
It is a variety typical of tropical and subtropical climates, so it is used to being exposed to warm temperatures throughout the year.
The ideal temperature for her ranges between 20º and 30º C, and she does not take the cold well at all, and much less frost.
Sun light
Due to its origin, it is a palm tree that loves to receive hours and hours of direct sunlight. In fact, It will not grow as much as it should if its location does not have enough hours of light.
Land
This species does best in moist, well-drained soil. Although it can tolerate the seasonal flooding typical of its place of origin, does not cope well with prolonged waterlogging, Therefore, it is important that the soil has good drainage capacity.
In addition, it is advisable to have a good amount of organic matter at your disposal to grow healthily.
Humidity
Raphia australis It develops best in areas with relatively high environmental humidity. Despite this, it can tolerate moderate drought, as long as it is already fully established in the field.
Virtual
Due to the great length of its leaves, this palm tree needs enough space to grow. Therefore, when a plantation is made, it is important to respect a distance from other plants and structures, so that there are no problems in the future.
Raphia australis is a palm tree spectacular in size and beauty, which reaches its full potential in warm and humid climates. Did you know her?