A forest palm up to about 40 ft (12 m) tall with a single smooth,
green trunk 4Ð6 in (10Ð15 cm) thick; its long feather-like fronds
are rather erect but flop untidily with age. The yellow, orange or
red fruit are egg-sized and may be borne at any time of year. The
large white-fleshed seed is sliced and chewed together with lime and
leaves of the betel pepper (Piper betle). The wild origin of this
species is not exactly known.
Cultivation: These palms only grow well outdoors in the wet tropics,
preferring sheltered conditions and moist soil.
Propagate from seed, which germinates readily if sown fresh.