Caryota urens

Common names

Jaggery Palm, Toddy Fishtail Palm.

Curiosities

The sap is used to obtain sugar, and after distillation to make an alcoholic drink and vinegar. Trunks contain edible sago.

Origin

India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar.

Habitat

Rainforest at low altitude.

Morphology

A single trunk, unlike C. mitis. Can reach 20 m tall, with leaves up to 6 x 4 m, bright green. Monocarpic, that is the plant begins flowering from top leaves and continues progressively down the trunk, and when the lowermost inflorescence has matured its fruit, the plant dies.

Climate

Tropical to warm temperate. This plant has tolerated temperatures down to –2.6ºC (27.3ºF, USDA Zone 9b).

Germination

Growing

Prefers shade, although can withstand sun even when young, better than C. mitis.  Responds to nitrogen containing fertilizers, apply them regularly. Very fast grower, especially when roots can take water from subterranean water.