Phenakospermum

Taxobox

---

image_caption = "Phenakospermum guiannense "
regnum = Plantae
divisio = Magnoliophyta
classis = Liliopsida
ordo = Zingiberales
familia = Strelitziaceae
genus = "Phenakospermum"
species = "P. guianense"
binomial = "Phenakospermum guianense"
binomial_authority = (Rich.) Endl. ex Miq.

"Phenakospermum" is a monotypic genus in the family Strelitziaceae. Only one species is recognized, "Phenakospermum guiannense", native to Surinam and the eastern Amazon River basin. This tree 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".

Espécies

*"Phenakospermum guianense" (Rich.) Endl. ex Miq.