This palm-like shrub has a short stem and forms a clump of upright foliage on long slender stalks. The light green frond-like leaves are divided and pendant and the small flowers are arranged in spathes that appear sporadically during summer.

Hardiness zones 11 to 12 

Carludovica palmata is naturally found from Central America to South America in Bolivia growing in rainforests as an understorey plant. 

It prefers organic rich moist, well drained soils in a shaded position with ample humidity and is very cold sensitive and requires wind, frost and drought protection.

The Panama-hat Plant is grown for its foliage and is planted in tropical settings or along water courses as an understorey filler. It is suitable tropical coastal or mountainous regions, establishing from division in 1 to 2 years and can be used in small gardens along shady borders or in patio pots when young. ID 2284

Note:
This plant is not commonly cultivated and may be difficult to obtain requiring a specialist nursery.
In Ecuador the leaves are collected to make Panama hats. 

Carludovica (kar-loo-DOE-vi-ka) palmata (pahl-MAHT-a) 

Arecaceae (ar-ek-AY-see-ee)	
(Palmae)
Palm Family