Origin
The Caryota urens, also known as the Jaggery Palm, is originally from South and Southeast Asia. This unique palm tree is often found in countries such as India, Malaysia and the Philippines. This impressive tree predominantly grows in tropical rainforests and has a long history of cultural usage, particularly in the production of sugar and alcohol.

Characteristics
The Caryota urens is a striking palm tree that can reach a height of 12 to 20 meters. It has large, divided leaves that are unique within the palm spectrum, a characteristic that has earned it the nickname Fish Tail Palm. The tree is monocarpic, which means that each stem dies after flowering. During the blooming period, the tree produces prominent flower clusters that hang like enormous grapes from the trunk.

Care
Although the Caryota urens is a tropical plant, it can surprisingly withstand drought well. The palm tree prefers full sun to semi-shade and needs well-drained soil to prevent the roots from drowning. While it can receive a significant amount of water in its natural habitat, in a garden environment, regular watering is sufficient. Despite its impressive size, the Caryota urens does not require more fertiliser than other palm trees, and an annual replenishment of slow-release palm tree fertiliser is typically sufficient.