PlantaeHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN LCInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Least Concern — widespread and abundant; not at immediate risk of extinction.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Carludovica drudei
Drude's Carludovica
Mast., 1877
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
Carludovica drudei is a robust, perennial herbaceous plant without a visible aerial stem, belonging to the Cyclanthaceae family. Often confused with a palm due to its flabellate (fan-shaped) leaves, it is distinguished by having leaves deeply divided into three or four main segments. Its petioles are long, cylindrical, and flexible, emerging directly from an underground rhizome to reach heights of up to 3 or 4 meters. The inflorescence is a dense, cylindrical spadix, initially protected by several spathes. During anthesis, the spadix unfurls numerous long, sterile cream-colored filaments (staminodes) that attract specific pollinators. The fruit is a fleshy syncarp that, upon ripening, opens to reveal a bright orange pulp with numerous tiny seeds. It is an architectural species that dominates the lower and middle strata of very wet forests.
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Julia Trouin
TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Tracheophyta
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Liliopsida
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Pandanales
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Cyclanthaceae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Carludovica
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.Mast., 1877
Record Completeness
93%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Stable
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
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Growth HabitPhysical form and structure of the plant: tree, shrub, herb, vine, epiphyte, aquatic, etc.
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Leaf TypeLeaf characteristics: deciduous (seasonal shed), evergreen, simple, compound, needle-like, etc.
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Flowering SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Year Round
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
It inhabits exclusively the understory and margins of very wet tropical rainforests, from sea level up to 1,200 meters (4,000 feet) in altitude. It prefers sites with partial shade, high atmospheric humidity, and soils rich in organic matter. It is commonly found near watercourses and in areas with rugged topography where the canopy allows filtered light. In Costa Rica, it is a very frequent species on the Caribbean Slope, the Northern Zone, and the South Pacific.Light & Water NeedsSunlight intensity and moisture levels this plant needs to grow and reproduce successfully. Multi-lang
Information not available in English. Help us expand this record!BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
It plays a crucial role in the reproductive ecology of curculionid beetles. The spadix produces heat (thermogenesis) to volatilize scents that attract insects, which feed on the staminodes and pollinate the plant. Its fleshy fruits are a food source for birds and small ground mammals. Its dense growth helps stabilize soil on humid slopes.Toxicity / UsesToxic compounds present and their documented effects on humans or other organisms. Multi-lang
Information not available in English. Help us expand this record!Physical Measures
Length (cm)
200.0 - 400.0 cm
Reproductive StructuresFlowers, fruits, and seeds — the reproductive organs and their seasonal appearance.
Flower Photos (Max 2)
No imageFruit Photos (Max 2)
No imageEvolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Attractive Staminodes: During flowering, the spadix releases long sterile filaments that serve as an intense visual lure in the understory dimness and emit potent chemical fragrances to attract specific pollinating beetles, ensuring reproduction in an environment with low insect density.
Water Collection Architecture: Its trilobed leaves and channeled petioles function as a funnel system directing rainwater and dew directly toward the central rhizome, ensuring constant hydration even during periods of lower rainfall.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Habitat loss: Deforestation for agriculture and livestock eliminates the humid microclimates necessary for its survival. As an understory plant, canopy opening exposes it to excessive solar radiation that desiccates its tissues.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
It is not a palm: Although visually appearing as a small fan palm, Carludovica drudei is more closely related to members of the Pandanales order than to true palms. It is a classic example of convergent evolution.