Doum is a small palm native to North Africa, and in Morocco, the natural fiber made from it is also known as doum. It is sometimes referred to by the Arabic name halfa. The plant resembles Esparto grass, which is used in Spain to create similar handcrafted products.

This plant grows widely in countries surrounding the Mediterranean Sea. Outside of this region, however, the material is not well known and is often mistakenly identified as wicker, rattan, or cane.