What is natural raffia?
Raffia is a fiber obtained from the leaves of the raffia palm, and can be used for tying up plants, binding together vegetables to be marketed, and weaving baskets, hats, and mats. Raffia palm trees (Raphia farinifera) are native to Madagascar, and can also be found in parts of Africa. Its leaves, the largest among Palms, can attain 18 m (60 ft) in length. The raffia fiber is soft, pliable, and strong. After harvest of the leaf, the leaves are dried in the sun taking on a yellowish color. The dried raffia fibers are then sorted and separated into different qualities, according to their colour, width and texture. Local plants are often used to colour the raffia in earthtone colours.
