Raphia regalis
Family: Arecaceae
What it is like
A palm. It is almost without a stem as this can be 1 m long and mostly underground and has leaves 25 m long. The plant flowers once then dies. The flowering shoot is large and 3 m long and held erect. It contains both male and female flowers. The fruit are oval and 9.5 cm long and reddish-brown. The fruit are covered with shiny, overlapping scales. The seed is curved or spindle shaped.
Where it is found
It is a tropical plant. It often occurs between 500-850 m above sea level. It is mostly on acid soils.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, Angola, Cabinda, Cameroon, Central Africa, Congo DR, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Nigeria, North America, USA, West Africa
How it is used for food
Edible parts
Stalk - sap