A large palm tree grows leaves that can be stripped and dried to create raffia strands. Raffia, like jute or hemp twine, is a natural fiber that can be woven like straw, tied like silk ribbons, or packed like Styrofoam pills. Milliners, crafters, and florists enjoy using the grass-like material for a variety of projects and gifts.Raffia is a fibre made from palm leaves. It is used to make mats and baskets