Unlike the Caryota mitis, a clumping species, the Solitary Fishtail Palm tree is a fast growing, beautiful, solitary palm. It originated from India and Sri Lanka and is known by other names, such as Toddy Palm, Wine Palm, and Jaggery Palm.
The solid stem is strong, smooth and almost grayish white apparently dusted in some white fur-like substance. Whilst the graceful fronds are bi-pinnate, divided, with the leaflets ending in triangular jagged edges hence its nickname, looks almost fern-like.
This palm is monocarpic, i.e. it flowers from top down and once, the last fruits from the lowest infloresence mature, the plant dies.
The cultured plants pictured here are probably small to medium compared with some wildly majestic ones seen some mid journey (approx. 3000ft above sea level), through mountain forest on the way up to Genting Highlands, Pahang.
Unfortunately, from afar, they were all (about 8-9 but growing at different levels) on the verge of dying so it's hard to assume if they've reached the end of their lifespan simultaneously or attacked by some disease?
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