Wine Raffia Palm. Wine Palm (Raphia vinifera)

Family: Arecaceae | Edibility: Edible (3/5)

Raphia vinifera is an evergreen Tree growing to 6 m (19ft) by 4 m (13ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Nuts/Seeds, Sap/Syrup

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

sweet sap is extracted by removing the immature inflorescence and collecting the sap that runs out of the portion of cut stem remaining on the tree. — The oil, extracted from the mesocarp of the fruits by cooking, is used as food (raphia butter).; The kernels of the fruits are eaten roasted.; The fruit is edible, but somewhat bitter.; The terminal bud of the palm is eaten as palm cabbage.

Habitat & North American Range

Borders of rivers. Swamps and creeks. (Zone 10)