Raphia is a type of fiber that comes from the Raphia Palm tree of Madagascar. The Raphia Palm (Raphia farinifera or R. ruffia) has leaves that can grow as large as 60 feet long.

The fiber, which is soft, pliable, strong, and nonshrinking when wet, is torn in thin strips from these leaves and used. After being dried in the sun, Raphia takes on a yellowish colour, but it is often dyed to other colors for various uses.

The fiber is used in making many things like weaving baskets, hats, mats, making clothing, binding, tying, packing, decorating etc.