Panama hat plant
The leaves of the Panama hat plant are very rich in fibers and are used, among other things, to weave hats. a { text-decoration: none; color: #464feb; } tr th, tr td { border: 1px solid #e6e6e6; } tr th { background-color: #f5f5f5; }
Only the youngest, still folded leaves are harvested for hat weaving. These leaves contain the finest and most flexible fibres.
Six young leaves are needed to make a single hat. Hats of the finest quality are very lightweight and woven so tightly that they can be water‑repellent. Older leaves are used to make mats, bags, and other woven products.
The original Panama hat originates from Ecuador. The hats were transported to Panama, from where they were shipped to Europe and the rest of the Americas – hence the name “Panama hat.”
The Panama hat plant resembles a palm, as suggested by the Latin species name palmata, but it is not related to true palms, such as the ivory palm. Instead, the Panama hat plant belongs to the family Cyclanthaceae.
Fact box:
- Greenhouse location: Tropical house
- Danish name: Panama hat plant
- Latin name: Carludovica palmata
- Family: Panama hat family / Cyclanthaceae
- Natural habitat: Tropical South America