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From Palmpedia

Raphia taedigera
Palm at Tortuguero National Park, Limón, Costa Rica.
Scientific Classification
Genus: Raphia Species: taedigera
Synonyms
Raphia nicaraguensis, Sagus taedigera
Native Continent
America
Morphology
Habit: Clumping Leaf type: Pinnate Height: 3 m
Culture
Sun exposure: High Watering: Very Moist
Survivability index
Common names
Yolillo palm

Contents 1 Habitat and Distribution 2 Description 3 Culture 4 Curiosities

Habitat and Distribution

It occurs naturally from Nicaragua to Colombia, and some places in Brazil. In Costa Rica, it is abundant in the Tortuguero National Park. Also it is found in Osa Peninsula.

Description

A palm up to 3 meters, usually forming dense clumps. The fronds can vary from 10-15 meters long. The inflorescence is very large, up to 3 meters. The fruits are orange-brown and its surface have scale-like covering.

Culture

These palms appear to grow in dense populations (yolillales) along canals (i.e. Tortuguero canals), they need swampy conditions. They can stand full sun.

Curiosities

Many people use the fiber from the leaves to make twine or baskets. Animals as the tapir, the peccary and the white-faced capuchin monkey eat the fruits.

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