Caryota — 10 species

Caryota, the fishtail palms, are dramatic tropical palms named for their distinctive bipinnate leaflets that resemble a fish's tail, seen in species such as Caryota mitis, Caryota urens, and the Giant Fishtail Palm. They grow best in bright indirect light and prefer soil kept barely moist, reducing watering in cooler months; they appreciate warmth and humidity. All Caryota species are toxic to cats and dogs — the fruit pulp is loaded with calcium oxalate raphides that cause intense oral irritation, swelling, and drooling on contact.