Origin
The Caryota mitis, also known as the fishtail palm, originally comes from Southeast Asia. It is a fast-growing palm tree that is especially common in the tropical rainforests of, among other places, Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines. In the past, this palm tree was used by the native people for different purposes, such as, making wine from the palm tree's sap. This information was reflected in the local name for the palm in certain parts of Southeast Asia, which literally means palm wine.

Characteristics
The Caryota mitis is characterised by its large, green leaves which visually resemble the tail of a fish, hence its popular nickname 'fishtail palm'. The plant can grow up to 12 meters tall in its natural environment. However, it usually grows to smaller sizes in domestic environments. The palm produces cream-white flowers that hang in long plumes. Each leaf segment is segmented on the underside, giving the plant its characteristic shape.

Care
The Caryota mitis has specific care needs due to its tropical origin. It requires a warm environment with sufficient light, but direct sunlight should be avoided to prevent burning of the leaves. It is also essential to maintain high humidity around the palm. In addition, it needs regular watering, especially in the summer months, but the soil should never become saturated to prevent root rot. During the dormant period in winter, watering should be somewhat reduced. It is necessary to fertilise the Caryota mitis annually in order to promote healthy growth.