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| With bipinnate leaves and serrated leaflets, this familiar genus of twelve species
is widely known as “fishtail” palms. These palms are widely distributed in places like tropical Asia, the Philippines,
Australia, and Indonesia. These palms are either clumping or solitary with varied leaf crowns. An important characteristic of
Caryota palms is that the trunks die when fruits mature after flowering, which starts at the top of the stem. When
the last flower stalk has emerged, the stem dies (monocarpic) and it is time to replace the palm if it is solitary, or cut the
stem back if it is clumping. Remember, the fruit of Caryota palms can be very irritating to the skin. Handle the
fruit with gloves. |
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1. C. gigas (Giant Thai Mountain Fishtail)
Height: up to 100 feet
Size of Crown: 10-20 feet and variable |
| Cultural requirements and other comments: These large solitary
palms can be seen growing naturally in the moist, mountainous areas in Thailand or southern China. The large, waxy leaflets and
tall trunks make C. gigas a massive addition in the landscape. Although it thrives where humidity is high it is
not a requirement. This palm needs a spacious place in the landscape. It has a very upright growth habit, but can be used as an
ultra tropical canopy-scape. It will happily tolerate the Kona sun even at lower elevations. The leaves of C. gigas
are the most attractive of the Caryota.. They are also the most long-lived of the Caryota. |
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2. C. mitis (Fishtail Palm)
Height: up to 20-25 feet
Size of crown: 10-15 feet |
| Cultural requirements and other comments: This clumping palm is
commonly known as the Fishtail Palm and is used extensively in the landscape industry. It is indigenous to areas like the
Philippines, Thailand, southern China, and Southeast Asia. The clumps can grow densely, with fishtail-shaped leaflets. It grows
best in partial shade, or full sun if provided with adequate water. This palm has also been a good candidate as a potted
specimen in bright indoor areas or lanais. When grown in the garden, watch as the inflorescences emerge from the top and each
successive flowering, coming lower on the stem until they nearly reach the ground. At that time, it is time to remove that one
stem. |
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