Caryota mitis (Fishtail palm)
Fishtail Palms grow fine in full sun to deep shade, requiring only that the soil be well-drained and reasonably fertile. It is not a palm for a plant-and-forget situation. It has a moderate to rapid growth rate and should be located outdoors in a sheltered location, protected from temperatures less than about 35 degrees F. Unfortunately, the palm is susceptible to lethal yellowing disease which kills many palms. In addition, it is monocarpic, so a stem dies after it flowers. This stem must be removed to maintain a neat appearance. Some have one trunk, others are multi-trunked. Fruit may be poisonous if ingested. Fruit can cause severe skin irritation. Pollen causes some allergies.
- Landscape Information
- Botanical Description
- Horticulture Management
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French Name: Palmier à sucre
Pronunciation: kair-ee-OH-tuh ME-tis
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Plant type: Palm
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Origin: Southeast Asia
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Heat Zones: 10 to 12
Hardiness Zones: 10 to 12
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Uses: Specimen, Container, Wildlife
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Size/Shape
Growth Rate: Moderate
Tree Shape: oval
Canopy Symmetry: Irregular
Canopy Density: Medium
Canopy Texture: Coarse
Height at Maturity: 3 to 5 m
Spread at Maturity: 3 to 5 meters
Time to Ultimate Height: 10 to 20 Years
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Foliage
Leaf Arrangement : Spiral
Leaf Venation: Reticualte
Leaf Persistance: Evergreen
Leaf Type: Odd Pinnately compund
Leaf Blade: 5 - 10 cm
Leaf Shape: Star
Leaf Margins: Incised
Leaf Texture: Smooth
Leaf Scent: Unpleasant
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Flower
Flower Size Range: 0 - 1.5
Flower Type: Catkin
Flower Sexuality: Monoecious (Bisexual)
Flower Scent: No Fragance
Flower Color: White
Seasons: Spring
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Trunk
Trunk has Crownshaft: No
Trunk Susceptibility to Breakage: Suspected to breakage
Number of Trunks: Multi-Trunked
Trunk esthetic Values: Showy
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Fruit
Fruit Type: Drupe
Fruit Size Range: 1.5 - 3
Fruit Color: Red, Black
Seasons: Spring
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Tolerance
Heat Tolerance: Yes
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Requirements
Soil Requirements: Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil Ph Requirements: Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
Water Requirements: High, Moderate
Light Requirements: Full, Part
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Management
Toxicity: Yes
Susceptibility to Pests and Diseases: Yes
Mowing Height: 5 - 7 cm
Pruning Requirements: No pruning at all
Life Span: 25-50 years
Pests: Nematodes, Thrips
Plant Propagation: Cutting