Caryota maxima, commonly known as Giant Mountain Fishtail Palm, is an evergreen palm tree native to the tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia, where it thrives in warm, humid conditions. It can reach an impressive height of 70-90 feet (21-27 meters) with a width of 30-45 feet (9-14 meters). The palm is characterized by its bipinnate leaves that resemble the tail of a fish, giving rise to its common name. The leaves can grow up to 9 meters long, and the tree produces cascading clusters of small, cream to brown flowers followed by round, purple fruits. Flowering occurs intermittently throughout the year, with individual inflorescences lasting about a year.

The Giant Mountain Fishtail Palm is valued for its striking appearance and is often used as a focal point in tropical and subtropical landscapes. It is also planted in large public spaces and botanical gardens. This palm requires consistently moist soil and does not tolerate drought well. It prefers a well-draining soil mix and can adapt to various soil types if drainage is adequate. While it can grow in full sun, young palms benefit from partial shade. One should be cautious of the palm’s fruit, which can be messy and may attract pests. Additionally, Caryota palms are monocarpic, meaning they die after flowering and fruiting, which can be a consideration when planting.CC BY-SA 4.0