a Central and South American plant (Carludovica palmata) of a family (Cyclanthaceae, order Cyclanthales) of monocotyledonous perennials, whose leaves yield a flexible, durable straw used for hats
this straw
Panama hat
Origin:
Sp, after Jipijapa, place in Ecuador
See jipijapa in American Heritage Dictionary 4
noun
A stemless palmlike plant (Carludovica palmata) of Central and South America, having long-stalked, fanlike leaves that are used to make Panama hats.
Origin:
Origin: American Spanish
Origin: , after Jipijapa, a city of western Ecuador