Caryota Mitis
Caryota mitis Lour.
Caryota mitis, the Clustering Fishtail Palm, is a striking tropical palm recognized by its uniquely bipinnate leaves whose wedge-shaped leaflets resemble a fish's tail. It produces hanging clusters of small purple flowers and symbolizes strength, community, and tropical elegance.
Arecaceae (Palm family)
Summer; each stem flowers top-to-bottom over several years before dying (hapaxanthic per stem)
Symbolism & Meanings
Key Meanings
Perfect For
Color Meanings
Similar flowers: yellow prairie onions and echinaceas also share similar meanings.
Cultural Significance
The Fishtail Palm holds cultural significance across its native range in Southeast Asia, where palms are broadly associated with abundance, hospitality, and the rhythm of tropical life. The clustering habit of Caryota mitis, where multiple stems grow and die in succession while new ones continually emerge from the base, gives it a powerful association with the cycle of renewal and the strength of community. In Cambodia, the palm is cultivated as an ornamental and used in traditional healing practices. Its unique fishtail-shaped leaflets, unlike any other palm genus, make it instantly recognizable and a symbol of the rich biodiversity of tropical Asia.Shop Our Floral Collection
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Physical Characteristics
Natural Habitat
Growing Guide
Sunlight
Full sun to deep shade; in hot climates, afternoon shade is beneficial; tolerates indoor low-light conditions
Water
Regular, even moisture; does not tolerate extended drought; reduce slightly in winter for container plants
Soil
Rich organic soil, Sandy loam, Well-drained, Fertile
Expert Growing Tips
Plant in a sheltered location protected from wind as roots are shallow
Provide regular feeding with a palm-specific fertilizer containing micronutrients
Remove dead or spent flowering stems at the base wearing gloves, as fibers and fruits can irritate skin
Never eat the fruit; it contains oxalic acid crystals and is toxic to humans and pets
Propagate by seed (germination takes 1 to 3 months) or by separating suckers from the base of the clump
In containers, maintain consistent moisture and repot only when roots visibly emerge from drainage holes
Uses & Benefits
Ornamental Uses
- Specimen or accent palm in tropical and subtropical gardens
- Privacy screening and hedging due to clumping habit
- Container plant for patios, poolside, and large indoor spaces
- Understory planting in woodland gardens
- Interior landscaping in commercial buildings and atriums
Traditional Uses
- Traditional healers in Cambodia burn leaf axil fibers to treat ill limbs
- Various ethnobotanical uses recorded in Southeast Asian traditional medicine
- Immature seeds eaten in some regional traditions; mature fruits are toxic
Disclaimer: Information provided is for educational purposes only. Consult healthcare professionals before using any plant medicinally.
Further Reading
Frequently Asked Questions about the Caryota Mitis
Why is Caryota mitis called the Fishtail Palm?
Caryota mitis gets its name from its uniquely shaped leaflets, which are wedge-shaped and irregularly toothed at the tip in a way that closely resembles the tail fin of a fish. It is the only palm genus with this bipinnate (twice-divided) leaf structure.
Is the Caryota mitis fruit toxic?
Yes, the fruit of Caryota mitis is toxic. It contains calcium oxalate crystals that can cause severe mouth pain, skin irritation, chemical burns, and swelling if handled or consumed. Always wear gloves when pruning and keep children and pets away from the fruit.
Does Caryota mitis die after flowering?
Each individual stem of Caryota mitis dies after it completes its flowering cycle, a trait called hapaxanthic or monocarpic flowering. However, because Caryota mitis is a clumping species, new stems continuously emerge from the base of the clump, so the overall plant lives on.
Can Caryota mitis grow indoors?
Yes, Caryota mitis is commonly grown as an indoor houseplant in large containers. It tolerates a wide range of light conditions including low light, making it suitable for well-lit interiors and large indoor spaces. Keep it in bright indirect light for best growth.
Available Colors
Quick Facts
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