Description
Caryota – Fishtail Palm –
There are about 12 species of large single and smaller multi stemmed, monoecious sometimes monocarpic palms, in this genus. They occur from India and Sri Lanka to Southeastern Asia, Northern Australia and the Solomon Islands from sea level to 7,000′ feet high in humid or monsoon climates. Huge bipinnate fronds each with a prominent sheathing base, are arranged in spirals on the upper part of each stem. ‘Fishtail’ refers to the shaped of the leaflets which are usually wedge or triangular shaped. The 3 petaled, cup shaped flowers are borne in large, pendent panicles just below the lowest leaf. Where not hardy grow as a specimen houseplant. In tropical regions fishtail palms are used as ornamental specimen trees, where they occur naturally they provide sago, palm wine and building materials.
Indoors, grow in soil based potting mix in bright filtered light and high humidity. Water freely during the growing season, applying a balanced liquid fertilizer monthly, water sparingly in winter.
Outdoors, grow in fertile, humus rich, moist but well drained soil with some midday shade.
Prone to spider mites, scale insects, fungal leaf spots, lethal yellowing, and false smut.
C. cumingii – This single stemmed palm grows to 30′ feet tall with 12″ diameter trunk, marked with very prominent rings. The fronds are large, with leaflets less drooping than other species, and the flowering panicles are also massive, sheathed in prominent bracts are also massive, sheathed in prominent bracts as they emerge. It requires tropical conditions.
Zones 11-12
