SCIENTIFIC NAME: Caryota mitis

COMMON NAME(S): Clustering fishtail palm
SUB FAMILY: Arecoideae
TRIBE: Caryoteae
ORIGIN: Southeast Asia
HARDINESS ZONES: 10B-11 (severely damaged or killed at 26 degrees F)
TYPICAL MAXIMUM HEIGHT: 18'
GROWTH RATE: Moderate
HABIT: Clustering; stems die after fruiting; each stem with 8-10 leaves
SALT TOLERANCE: Low
DROUGHT TOLERANCE: Moderate
SOIL REQUIREMENTS: Widely adaptable
LIGHT REQUIREMENTS: Moderate; high
NUTRITION REQUIREMENTS: Moderate
POPULAR USES: Specimen tree
HUMAN HAZARDS: Irritant
POPULAR OR RECOMMENDED CULTIVARS:

COMMENTS: The individual stems of clustering fishtail palm cease vegetative growth after a period of years and begin to flower from the top down. After the fruit has ripened, the stem dies. Fortunately, in this species new clustering stems are continuously coming along to replace those that have fulfilled their short lease on life. However, some observers claim that the cluster never lives for very long after the main stem dies. The unusual form of the leaves makes this species an eye-catching specimen plant. Young plants do very well in containers as patio plants and can be acclimated to interior conditions as well. Throughout their broad native range, the fishtail palms are utilized as sources of palm sugar and starch. The fruit contains calcium oxalate crystals that are extremely irritating to the skin.