Plant Library

Other Names:  Giant Fishtail Palm, Caryota obtusa

Description:

This beautiful palm typically forms a single, large, blackened trunk, topped with evenly spaced, large bi-pinnate leaves, creating a stunning lacey pattern in several tones of green; flowers and fruits only once, then dies; protect from wind

Ornamental Features

Thai Mountain Giant Palm has attractive green evergreen foliage on a tree with an arching habit of growth. The enormous twisted fan-shaped bipinnately compound leaves are highly ornamental and remain green throughout the winter. The rough dark brown bark is extremely showy and adds significant winter interest.

Landscape Attributes

Thai Mountain Giant Palm is an evergreen tree with a strong central leader and a shapely form and gracefully arching branches. Its relatively coarse texture can be used to stand it apart from other landscape plants with finer foliage.

This is a high maintenance tree that will require regular care and upkeep, and should not require much pruning, except when necessary, such as to remove dieback. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

• Insects

Thai Mountain Giant Palm is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Accent
• Shade
• Vertical Accent
• Container Planting

Planting & Growing

Thai Mountain Giant Palm will grow to be about 40 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 20 feet. It has a high canopy of foliage that sits well above the ground, and should not be planted underneath power lines. As it matures, the lower branches of this tree can be strategically removed to create a high enough canopy to support unobstructed human traffic underneath. It grows at a slow rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 30 years.

This tree does best in full sun to partial shade. It does best in average to evenly moist conditions, but will not tolerate standing water. It may require supplemental watering during periods of drought or extended heat. It is particular about its soil conditions, with a strong preference for rich, acidic soils, and is able to handle environmental salt. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution, and will benefit from being planted in a relatively sheltered location. This species is not originally from North America, and parts of it are known to be toxic to humans and animals, so care should be exercised in planting it around children and pets..

Thai Mountain Giant Palm is a fine choice for the yard, but it is also a good selection for planting in outdoor pots and containers. Because of its height, it is often used as a 'thriller' in the 'spiller-thriller-filler' container combination; plant it near the center of the pot, surrounded by smaller plants and those that spill over the edges. It is even sizeable enough that it can be grown alone in a suitable container. Note that when grown in a container, it may not perform exactly as indicated on the tag - this is to be expected. Also note that when growing plants in outdoor containers and baskets, they may require more frequent waterings than they would in the yard or garden.