Raphia taedigera

Abstract

Raphia taedigera is the only New World representative of a genus more commonly found in Africa. Although the palm has the longest fronds of any palm native to the Americas, they are not used for thatch. In the past, the fruits were used to extract oil used in cooking, to make soap, and for use in folk remedies. Now the main use of the palm is to make shrimp traps from the frond midribs. The midribs are also used to make flexible fishing poles and to fashion roll up fences to trap fish that have been stupefied with piscicides. Strips torn from the petioles are used to make baskets and laundry hampers. The palm is confined to wetlands, especially in the southern part of the Amazon estuary.