Carludovica palmata

Panama Hat Plant

Even though it looks like it, it’s not really a palm, it’s in the Cyclanthaceae family. This palm-like plant has handsome pleated fan shaped leaves that appear in tiers from its short stems in a spiral arrangement. Tropical. Best in part shade when young. Now being more commonly grown as a house plant. Gets about 8’ tall, in a compact clump. The inflorescence come from the soil & are showy as the bright orange cone structure splits open, curling back as the fruit ripens.