Raphia - Palm trees have the longest leaves of any trees and the raphia family, consisting of approximately 20 species, contains one palm, the Kosi palm, whose fronds can reach over 20 meters in length. It is endemic to Mozambique and South Africa. The Kosi palm tree grows to heights of about 16 meters. This palm is monocarpic, a plant producing a single flowering before dying. The Kosi palm takes almost 30 years before reaching its one and final flowering stage.
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Mozambique and the Mozambique Channel derive their name from an island located in the northern area of the channel. The island is named after Sultan Ali Musa Mbiki, ruler of the island during Vasca da Gama’s visit in 1498. The island served as an important boat building and repair center for ships passing through the channel. The Portuguese built a naval base on the island in 1507, followed by a military base. The island became the headquarters of the Portuguese East African Colony.
