The raffia palm is a type of palm tree native to tropical regions of Africa, Madagascar, and parts of South America. It is known for its long, fibrous leaves, which can grow up to 25 meters in length. These leaves are harvested to produce raffia, a natural fiber used in various crafts, textiles, and packaging materials. Raffia palms thrive in wet, humid environments and can often be found near rivers and swamps. The tree can reach heights of 20 to 30 meters and produces small, yellow flowers that develop into clusters of fruit. The versatility of the raffia fiber makes it popular in traditional and modern crafts.