Burmese fishtail palm (Caryota mitis)

Caryota mitis, commonly known as the clustering fishtail palm, originates from tropical regions of Asia, including areas from India to Java and southern China. It was first described in Vietnam in 1790. The plant has also become naturalized in places such as southern Florida, parts of Africa, and Latin America. In Florida, it typically grows in hummocks and disturbed wooded areas. This species features clustered stems that can reach up to 10 meters in height and 15 centimeters in diameter, with leaves extending up to 3 meters in length. The flowers are purple, and the dark purple or red fruits are toxic to humans.