Caryota mitis is widespread and indigenous to open and cleared areas in the rain forest of the Philippines, southern China, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Thailand, peninsular Malaysia, Southeast Asia, Sumatra, Borneo, Java and Sulawesi. The commonly known as the Clumping Fishtail Palm.

The Clumping Fishtail Palm is one of the few clustering species in the genus. Clumps can be 20 feet tall and 15 feet wide with densely packed stems to 12 feet tall. The leaves are 8 feet long and triangular. The inflorescences are 2 feet long and pendent with many tiny whitish flowers. The fruits are 0.5 inch wide, rounded and deep red to black when mature.

Caryota mitis is slightly susceptible to lethal yellowing disease. It needs abundant water and a rich, humus-laden, free-draining soil and it thrives in full sun or partial shade. The plants are fast growing under ideal conditions. It is adaptable to indoor cultivation if given enough light and space.

• Common name: Clumping Fishtail Palm
• Origin: Thailand, China, Philippines, Malaysia, Southeast Asia..
• Spaced required: height = 20-30 feet
• Prefered conditions: needs abundant water, needs a rich, humus-laden soil, adapte to full sun or partial shade.
• Seed germination: normal
• Distinguishing features: tan stem, triangle-shaped leaf, much branched, deep red to black seeds
• Status: commonly cultivated