About Phenakospermum guyannense (A.Rich.) Endl. ex Miq.
Phenakospermum is a monotypic genus belonging to the plant family Strelitziaceae. Only one species is currently recognized within this genus: Phenakospermum guyannense. This species is native to Suriname, French Guiana, and the eastern Amazon River basin. Mature plants of P. guyannense can grow to over 10 meters (33 feet) in height, yet they can be cut down with a single blow from a machete. P. guyannense is a member of the same plant family as the popular ornamental Traveler's palm, though it is not as highly valued for ornamental use as that species. It is used locally in Brazil as a landscape feature. In Benevides, Brazil, the plant's broad leaves are used to wrap fish; this use is especially common when Calathea leaves from the family Marantaceae are not available. Previously, the Phenakospermum genus was classified within Ravenala, a genus that is now found exclusively in the Old World.
