SelecTree: Tree Detail
CLUSTERED FISHTAIL PALM
Caryota mitis
Photo Locations: University of Florida - Miami, FL, Quail Botanical Gardens - Encinitas, CA, Huntington Botanical Gardens - San Marino, CA, Tropical Gardens of Maui and Lotusland - Santa Barbara, CA
General Notes
This palm forms clumps with multiple trunks, and the main shoot dies after flowering and fruiting. It’s often planted as a shrubby hedging border and in outdoor container plantings. This is a much smaller, often multi-stemmed palm, compared to Caryota gigas. It tolerates heavy shade and is often used in interior plantings in commercial buildings. Caryota mitis has a HPWRA (Hawai'i Pacific Weed Risk Assessment) score of 1 (Evaluate) and the Plant Pono link is: https://plantpono.org/pono-plants/caryota-mitis/.
Native to Southeast Asia.
Family: Arecaceae
Additional Common Names
CLUSTERED FISHTAIL PALM, FISHTAIL PALM, HAWAIIAN FISHTAIL PALM, BURMESE FISHTAIL PALM
Tree Characteristics
Erect with a Low Canopy.
Palm Shape.
Has Evergreen foliage.
Height: 40 feet.
Width: 10 - 20 feet.
Growth Rate: 12 Inches per Year.
Longevity 40 to 150 years.
Leaves Bipinnately Compound, Light Green, No Change, Evergreen.
Flowers Inconspicuous. . Has separate male and female reproductive parts on the same tree (monoecious).
Black or Mostly Blue Drupe, Medium (0.50 - 1.50 inches).
Bark Green, Smooth.
Shading Capacity Rated as Moderately Dense in Leaf.
Tree Site Conditions & Constraints
Sunset Zones 23 - 24; H1, H2.
USDA Hardiness Zones 10 - 11.
Exposure Partial Shade.
Moist Soil.
Loam or Sand Texture.
Slightly Acidic Soil pH.
Salinity Tolerance is Moderate Inland.
Seaside Tolerance is Good in South Coast.
Pests & Disease Information
Resistant to Texas Root Rot. Susceptible to Scales and Spider Mites.
Health, Safety & Environmental Concerns
Branch Strength Rated as Medium.
Root Damage Potential Rated as Low.
Irritant Health Hazard.
Special Uses & Values
Screen.
Cite this tree:
SelecTree. "Caryota mitis Tree Record." 1995-2021. Apr 17, 2021.
< https://selectree.calpoly.edu/tree-detail/caryota-mitis >
This tree is not part of the SelecTree Nursery Connection. If you would like to see this tree listed, or know of a nursery that sells it, please contact us at ufei@calpoly.edu.