Family: Cyclanthaceae
Carludovica palmata, commonly known as the Panama hat plant, is a tropical understory plant native to Central and South America. Despite its name, it is not a true palm but has palm-like leaves and long, flexible stems. It thrives in warm, humid climates and partial shade. The plant is best known for its fibers, which are handwoven into authentic Panama hats. These fibers are also used for baskets, mats, and other woven goods. Because of its attractive foliage, it is sometimes grown ornamentally in gardens and landscapes.
Although valued for its uses, Carludovica palmata is considered high risk in Hawaii and other tropical island ecosystems. The plant can establish readily in suitable climates, potentially spreading beyond cultivation and outcompeting native understory species. Its ability to persist in a variety of disturbed habitats and its moderate reproductive capacity increase the risk of invasion. For these reasons, careful management and monitoring are recommended if it is planted outside its native range.
High Risk Traits:
- Naturalized outside native range – Samoa, potential to spread.
- Widely introduced – Ornamental use in tropics.
- Shade tolerant – Thrives under forest canopy.
- Vegetative reproduction – Rhizomes detach easily.
- Human-dispersed – Intentionally planted.
- Water-dispersed – Seeds and rhizomes moved by rain/flooding.
- Animal-dispersed – Birds, bats, ants; seeds survive digestion.
Low Risk Traits:
- No physical or chemical defenses – No spines, toxins, or allelopathy.
- Not a host for major pests – Mostly species-specific issues.
- No fire risk – Prefers wet habitats.
- Low seed production – Unlikely to produce >1000 seeds/m².
- Soil-specific – Requires well-drained, humus-rich soil.
- No wind dispersal – Relies on animals/water.
