CARYOTA MITIS - FISHTAIL PALM.
Common name
Burmese fishtail palm, rabok, fishtail palm.
Family
Arecaceae (Palmae).
Overview
Size: 30 ft.
Trunk: slender, grows up to a height of 25', forms multiple stemmed clumps.
Origin: Indonesia, but growing now also in Suriname.
Leaf: bipinnate leaflets, with a ragged edge and a distinctive fishtail shape. The leaf can reach 9'
in length.
Flower stalk: from the highest leaf axel first, then progressively downwards.
Fruit: round, 3/4 inch in diameter. Contains stinging crystals from oxalic acid in the pulp and should
be handled carefully; however, the seed kernels are edible.
Seeds: round.
Hardiness
USDA zone 9 - 11.
Propagation
Seeds, division of clumps.
Cultivation
Full sun / good drainage, moist soil, easy and quickly germination. Needs high
humidity. A very nice indoor plant, it tolerates heavy shade and light frosts.
It does well in indoors containers.
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