These plants are natives of South America. They are low-growing plants that resemble palms. A mass of short stems and leaves shaped like large fans grow up from the roots. The main kind, Carludovica palmata, is valued in tropical South America. The young, partially developed leaves are divided into thin strips, boiled in water, bleached with lemon juice and made into the famous Panama hats of commerce. This is the only kind commonly found in cultivation. It grows 5-8 feet tall.

They are grown in tubs, pots, or borders filled with rich, well-drained soil in greenhouses that have a minimum temperature of 60 degrees. They need the same treatment as tropical Palms. Repotting is done in March. The plants are taken out of their old pots and the loose soil and crocks should be removed from their roots. They are then placed in clean pots two sizes larger that are filled with crocks and compost that is patted firmly. After they have been repotted, they should be sprayed frequently and a humid atmosphere should be maintained by wetting the benches and floors quite often. The soil shouldn't be watered until it's fairly dry, and then it should be soaked through. Repeat this method of watering until the roots have penetrated the new soil, after which the compost is kept moist throughout the summer. As fall approaches, the water supply can be decreased, and during the winter, watering is only done when the soil becomes fairly dry. Less humidity is required in the winter but it shouldn't become too dry for a long time. Plants that are already growing in large pots or tubs can be kept growing actively by top-dressing them with rich compost in the spring and by watering them weekly with a dilute liquid fertilizer. The leaves of these plants should be sponged once in a while with insecticide to keep them clean and bug free.

They can be increased by division in the spring, or by seeds that are sown in light soil in a 65- to 75-degree temperature.

Carludovica palmata (sometimes called Carludovica insignis).