Borneo Fishtail Palm

Caryota no is a large, solitary fishtail palm native to Borneo, with a stout trunk and a dramatic crown of very large, twice-divided leaves. Its common name and regional distribution are documented by [Singapore’s National Parks Board](https://www.nparks.gov.sg/florafaunaweb/flora/2/6/2608), while the [Sarawak Forestry Department’s palm account](https://forestry.sarawak.gov.my/web/attachment/show/?docid=UHRWVWx0YjJya2xpbjVkdmdQVER1dz09Ojpl2fHWjWD6AhwvlzgNg1B3) describes its dimensions, foliage, and habitat. ## Landscape use This is a substantial tropical specimen for spacious landscapes or conservatories. Its solitary trunk and oversized crown need generous clearance from buildings, paths, and overhead structures. In climates outside its warm, humid native range, it may be grown only where a suitable protected environment can be provided. ## Foliage and flowers The broad crown carries large bipinnate fronds with triangular leaflets and jagged margins. Cream flower clusters emerge high among the leaves; the flowering sequence progresses down the palm and ends with the plant’s death after the final fruiting. The globular fruits ripen from purple to black and contain irritating calcium oxalate crystals, so they should not be handled. ## Siting and soil Give it full sun, humidity, and moist but well-drained soil. Avoid persistent saturation around the base, as mature palms can be susceptible to basal rot. ## Maintenance Allow ample room for the mature crown. Remove only dead or damaged fronds, and use gloves when dealing with fallen fruit. This palm is propagated from fresh seed, which can germinate irregularly.