Caryota urens
 
Common Names Toddy Palm, Jaggery Palm, Solitary Fishtail Palm, Kitul Palm
 
Zones 9B–11
 
A towering, solitary palm native to Sri Lanka, India, and Southeast Asia, Caryota urens is known for its jagged bipinnate leaves and high-yielding sugary sap. This monocarpic species flowers from the top down and dies after fruiting, making it a dramatic but finite presence in tropical landscapes. Its sap is used to produce jaggery and fermented toddy, while the trunk yields starch and fiber.
 
Key Features
Growth Habit: Solitary; fast-growing; monocarpic
Height: Up to 60 ft (18 m); trunk up to 12 in (30 cm) diameter
Trunk: Straight, gray; widely spaced leaf scars; smooth or slightly fibrous
Leaves: Bipinnate; up to 11 ft (3.5 m) long; triangular leaflets with ragged edges resembling a fishtail
Petiole: ~2 ft (60 cm); unarmed; fibrous margins
Inflorescence: Pendent spikes up to 10 ft (3 m); white unisexual flowers emerge sequentially from top to base
Fruit: Round, red drupe; ~0.4 in (1 cm); contains oxalic acid—toxic and highly irritating
Ecology: Found in rainforest clearings and plateaus; thrives in moist, humus-rich soils2
 
Growing Conditions
Light: Full sun to part shade
Watering: Regular; prefers consistent moisture
Soil: Rich loam; well-drained but moisture-retentive
Temperature: Thrives in 70–90°F (21–32°C); sensitive below 35°F
Humidity: High; prefers tropical conditions
Propagation: By seed; germination in 2–4 months
Tolerance: Fast-growing; sensitive to drought and cold; monocarpic lifecycle requires replacement planning
 
Landscape Use Ideal for large tropical gardens, agroforestry plots, and cultural landscapes. Pairs well with Roystonea regia, Caryota mitis, and Archontophoenix alexandrae.