Caryota mitis aka Fishtail Palm

Caryota mitis, also known as the clustering fishtail palm or fishtail palm, is an evergreen palm species native to Tropical Asia, ranging from India to Java and southern China. It was first described in Vietnam in 1790 and has since become naturalized in certain areas of southern Florida, Africa, and Latin America. This palm can be found growing in hummocks and disturbed wooded areas in Florida. The clustered stems of Caryota mitis can reach heights of up to 10 m (33 feet) and have a diameter of 15 cm (6 inches). Its leaves are a vibrant green and can grow up to 3 m (10 feet) in length, composed of triangular leaflets that resemble fish tails. During the summer, panicles of creamy-white flowers bloom on this palm. However, it's important to note that the fruits of Caryota mitis are harmful to humans and are typically dark purple or red in color. Belonging to the Arecaceae (Palmae) plant family, this palm species has bipinnate leaves that are divided into leaflets resembling fish tails, with arching branches.