Carludovica palmata

Carludovica palmata
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Order: Pandanales
Family: Cyclanthaceae
Genus: Carludovica
Species:
C. palmata
Binomial name
Carludovica palmata
Ruiz & Pav. (1798)
Synonyms[2]

Carludovica palmata (also known as Panama hat plant, toquilla palm, calá, palmilla, palmero, pojom, jiraca, junco, soyacal, tepejilote, and jipijapa) is a palm-like monocot plant.[3] It is not a true palm. Its leaves are very similar compared to the leaves of some true palms, for example, to Chelyocarpus ulei. Unlike several true palms, C. palmata does not develop a woody trunk. Its female flowers (which mature first) have large stigmas, and its male flowers (which mature later) have a lot of pollen.

Uses and cultivation

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The Panama hat palm is cultivated from Central America to Bolivia. Its soft, flexible, and durable fibers are used to weave Panama hats[4] and other items. Its leaf shoots are consumed in Central America.[5]

References

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  1. ^ Brummitt, N. (2013). "Carludovica palmata". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2013: e.T44392681A44401274. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2013-2.RLTS.T44392681A44401274.en. Retrieved 19 December 2022.
  2. ^ Tropicos, Missouri Botanical Garden
  3. ^ Orellana Polanco, Albaro Dionel. "Catálogo de Horalizas Nativas de Guatemala" (PDF).
  4. ^ Johnny Morris (8 June 2007). "Crowning glory of the Andes". The Telegraph. Retrieved 24 September 2010.
  5. ^ "Carludovica palmata".


Fruit
Carludovica palmata by J. van Aken, 1860-1870