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 rotundifolia
Round-leaved Panama Hat Plant
Wendland ex Hemsley
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A robust, palm-like perennial tropical herb forming large, dramatic understory clumps. It is easily distinguished by its massive, deeply flabelliform (fan-shaped) leaf blades that are nearly circular in outline and divided into distinct, multi-lobed segments held on long, cylindrical, smooth upright petioles. The unusual inflorescence consists of a dense, thick cylindrical spadix closely enveloped by several deciduous bracts (spathes). At anthesis, it erupts with a spectacular, tangled network of long, thread-like white staminodes that completely mask the fertile structures.
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Anonymous Curator
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Under Review
Last modified by
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).Cyclanthales
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.Wendland ex Hemsley
Record Completeness
85%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.
Unknown
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Herbivore
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
Native to the low-elevation wet forests, primary tropical rainforests, and humid pre-montane valleys of southern Central America, with rich historical records concentrated within Costa Rica and Panama. It exclusively thrives within dense, shaded forest understories, primary river floodplains, and old alluvial forest gaps where humidity remains constantly high and soils are deep, rich in organic matter, and perpetually moist.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
Operates as a large-leaved, rhizomatous terrestrial geophyte. It dictates spatial structure within dark primary forest understories, multiplying via aggressive, short underground rhizomes. It coordinates a dramatic, synchronized thermogenic flowering cycle that heats the spadix above ambient forest temperature during the initial female receptive night.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)
150.0 - 350.0 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
Developed giant plicate leaf architecture with integrated structural ribs that capture minimal light flecks within dark rainforest understories while successfully channeling tropical downpours away from the main support root center.
Features highly flexible, elongated elastomeric stems and petioles capable of flexing under falling forest canopy debris or branches without snapping, protecting the underground rhizome and ensuring continuous vegetative growth.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Assessed as Least Concern (LC). Localized populations are primarily threatened by widespread deforestation and conversion of wet lowlands into monoculture agricultural matrixes (such as banana or pineapple plantations). It remains stable in large primary biological reserves across Central America.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Although Carludovica rotundifolia superficially looks exactly like a small palm tree and its fiber can be woven, it belongs to the Cyclanthaceae family, making it an evolutionarily distinct lineage often called 'false palms'.
The spectacular, thread-like white filaments that burst out of the flower are staminodes (sterile stamens) designed specifically to emit a powerful sweet scent that attracts nocturnal beetle pollinators over long distances.