Locally known is Jippa or Jippy Jappa - used here for laundry baskets, sun hats and fruit trays/baskets etc.
Lots of room for growth, these have been doing very well in recent wet weather, when it is usually a lot drier.
I have lost count of my numbers though, lots all over the property.
Yes they are.
I also have the similar palm that sheds the entire leaf and stalk to leave a smooth grey trunk, but forget the name.....
They use this type for thatch roofing here of course.