Fun Facts:
- This unique palm gets its name because its jagged, triangular leaves look exactly like the tail fin of a fish.
- It grows in dense, beautiful clusters where multiple trunks sprout up together from a single base.
- It produces long, hanging strings of round berries that turn from green to a deep, dark purple when ripe.
- The tiny hairs on its fruit contain a natural substance that can cause a strong itch if touched, acting as the palm’s defense.
Where Can You Find It?
- The Fishtail Palm is very common in the understory of primary and secondary tropical rainforests across Malaysia.
- It easily catches the eye of hikers along the Pulai Trail due to its distinct, fan-like shape.
- Look out for its unique leaves growing under the shade of the taller jungle canopy.