| Phenakospermum | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Monocots |
| (unranked): | Commelinids |
| Order: | Zingiberales |
| Family: | Strelitziaceae |
| Genus: | Phenakospermum |
| Species: | P. guianense |
| Binomial name | |
| Phenakospermum guianense (Rich.) Endl. ex Miq. |
|
Phenakospermum is a monotypic genus in the family Strelitziaceae. Only one species is recognized, Phenakospermum guianense, native to Surinam and the eastern Amazon River basin. This plant grows to over 10 m in height but can be felled with a single blow with a machete.
Although not as prized as the ornamental Traveler's palm (in the same family), P. guianense is used locally in Brazil as a landscape element. The broad leaves are used to wrap fish in Benevides, Brazil, especially when Calathea leaves (Marantaceae) are not available.
Previously, this genus was included in the now exclusively Old World genus Ravenala.