Raphia hookeri aka Ivory Coast Raphia Palm

Raphia hookeri is the Ivory Coast raffia palm, also called wine palm. It belongs to the palm family, Arecaceae, and stays green year-round. Its native range spans western and central tropical Africa to Angola. It grows in lowland freshwater swamps and along river banks. In these sites, it can stand in 3.3 feet [1 metre] of water.

This fast-growing palm reaches about 33 feet [10 metres] tall. Its listed spread is about 23 feet [7 metres]. Most plants have one trunk, though some form a few suckers. The unbranched trunk can reach 1 foot [0.3 metres] across. Coiled fibres give the stem a distinct look. Its crown holds huge, upright, dark green, pinnate leaves. Each leaf can reach 39 feet [12 metres] long. The leaflets are stiff, giving the crown a bold form.

The flowers are brown, as are the top-shaped fruits. This palm grows for years before it flowers just once. It then dies after producing its large flower cluster. Growers tap sap near the flowering stage to make palm wine. They may collect it from the stem or flower cluster. The sap ferments, and its alcohol level rises after tapping. Sources also list the bud, flowers, fruit, and stem as food parts. Yet raw fruit is poisonous and has served as fish poison. Its food uses do not mean raw fruit is safe.

Give this palm a hot site with full sun. It needs moist to wet soil and can cope with flooding. Sand, loam, and clay are all listed as suitable soils. It prefers acid soil, with a favoured pH of 5–6. Salty soil does not suit it. Best growth occurs with daytime warmth of 24–30°C. PFAF lists USDA zones 10–12, and PACSOA notes poor cold tolerance. Its vast leaves and need for warmth limit suitable garden sites. Seed can take one to 24 months to sprout. Young plants transplant well.

People harvest this palm for food, fibre, and building materials. Strips from young leaflets yield strong raffia for many crafts. Uses include baskets, mats, hats, rope, cloth, and garden ties. Other plant parts serve in roofing, fences, furniture, and brooms. In Nigeria, growers sometimes use the palm to support yams. Traditional medicine uses the oily fruit flesh for bowel and stomach complaints. People also apply it to ease pain. These are reported uses, not proof of safe or effective treatment.