It is found around Kosi Bay in southern Mozambique and northeastern KwaZulu Natal in South Africa.

Raphia australis is a large palm with a single trunk, growing to a height of 24 m (80 ft).

The leaves are long and arching, the bases of the leaf stalks sheathing the trunk.

The leaves are pinnate, the centre stem or rachis being robust and brown, while the leaflets have a single fold and are shiny green above and waxy and bluish-green below.

[2] Raphia australis is endemic to Gaza Province in southern Mozambique and near Kwangwanase at Kosi Bay in KwaZulu Natal in South Africa.