The toquilla palm is a tropical plant native to the coastal regions of Ecuador. Its scientific name is *Carludovica palmata*, and it typically grows in humid, lowland areas. The leaves of the toquilla palm are long and fan-shaped, making them ideal for weaving. The fibers extracted from the leaves are used to create traditional Ecuadorian hats known as Panama hats. Despite the name, these hats are made in Ecuador and are famous for their lightweight and breathable qualities. The craftsmanship involved in making these hats has been recognized as a cultural heritage by UNESCO.