Phenakospermum is a monotypic genus in the family Strelitziaceae. Only one species is recognized, Phenakospermum guyannense, native to Surinam, French Guyane 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. guyannense 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.