Raffia palms are a type of tropical palm tree. They are distinctive and well-known around the world by the fact that they possess the longest leaves in the plant kingdom - compound leaves up to 60 feet long and 13 feet wide. The raffia palm has many uses, especially in the area of textiles, ropes, sticks and supporting beams made out of its fibrous branches and leaves. The palms are especially important in their native lands, where they are used in construction and in the ways above.