Accession #: 198500218
Accession Date: 1985-12-31
Common name: Panama Hat Plant
Family: Cyclanthaceae
Synonym(s):
Country of Origin: Mexico to Boliva
Description: The inflorescence of C. palmata is protogynous, with the female flowers being ripe when the spathes open, which is usually at night. Beetles are attracted by the fragrant odour of the staminodes. They stay in the spadix during the day. During the following night, when the female flowers are no longer functional, the anthers of the male flowers open, the beetles eat pollen and become covered with it, leave the inflorescence and fly to an inflorescence in the female flowering stage, where they carry out pollination.4
Uses: Widely used as roof thatch in Ecuador. Also woven into artisan fibers for use in making hats, however the <a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/fe/PanamaHatHarryTruman.jpg" target="_blank">'Panama Hat'</a><sup>1</sup> for which this plant is known is actually made in Ecuador, whilst the hat made from this fiber in Panama is distinctly different from a 'Panama Hat'. Confused yet?
IMPORTANT NOTE: Plant Uses are for informational purposes only. EEB Greenhouses assume no responsibility for adverse effects from the use of any plants referred to on this site. Always seek advice from a professional before using any plant medicinally.
USDA Zone: 10b-11
Source: Unknown
Provenance:
Restrictions:
Culture: