Ludovia lancaefolia

MANILA, Philippines - Ludovia lancaefolia (syn. Ludovia crenifolia) comes from a very special plant family called CYCLANTHACEAE or the Panama Hat Plant Family. It is always incorrectly referred to as “Pseudopalm” in the Philippines. The family is restricted to the Tropical Americas.

Ludovia leaves are in 2 ranks, thick and rigid, sheathing at the base, lanceolate to 50cm long. The color is deep emerald green and plaited like a feather, with rounded teeth near tip; pale yellow flowers in spirals near base, with 3-5spathes in 2 ranks.

Ludovia lancaefolia comes from the French Guiana. This very attractive small palm-like plant has been around for more than 3 decades in the Philippines. Only the top landscapers in the Philippines use the plant for landscapes because it is not the cheapest landscaping material. The versatile plant can take either shady or bright conditions. The plant has a characteristic thick root system that prevents it from drying.

Landscapers use this plant in areas that are difficult to maintain. Plant will grow slowly in place, thus do not outgrow the planting design.

The plant is also very familiar among the elite florists. The foliage will outlast 3 to 5 changes of flowers. Single cut foliage is so elegant in a cylinder and will last for 2 to 3 months given ample light before turning yellow.

Ludovia grows a single short trunk upward. When suckers are needed, young plant may be planted tilted or lying on the side to induce shoots to come out of the base. The plant is generally free from pests. Mature plants may be planted in very wet or dry conditions. Young plants are susceptible to fertilizer damage.