Panama Hat Plant (Carludovica palmata)

Family: Cyclanthaceae | Edibility: Edible (3/5)

Panama Hat Plant or Carludovica palmata is a palm-like evergreen shrub that grows up to 3-4 m tall and found in Western South America. The leaves are fan-shaped and form into clusters. Edible parts are the young leaves and shoots, fruits, and roots. The stem yields strong, flexible, and durable fibre used for making Panama hats, cigar cases, small bags, mats, etc. The leaves are used as thatch and made into brooms.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Leaves, Roots/Tubers, Flowers

Harvest Seasons: Spring, Early Summer, Late Summer, Fall, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

flavour of asparagus. — Edible portion: Young flower, Leaves, Leafstalk, Fruit, Rhizome, Root.; Young leaves and shoot tips - raw.; Eaten in salads, they are said to have the flavour of asparagus.; Inner portions of lower leafstalks.

Habitat & North American Range

Moist or usually wet, mixed, lowland or mountain rainforest, sometimes in open places, especially in areas of secondary growth, at elevations below 800 metres. (Zone 10)