A large monopodial tree native to Western Ghats. Trunk reaches up to
height 30-50 ft., grayish-brown and covered with persistent leaf bases. The
leaves appear in crown, bipinnate, leaflets are characteristically divided into
multiple segments resembling shape of fishtail, hence the common name. Inflorescence
is a large and branched structure that emerges from the top of the trunk. It
bears numerous small, cream-colored flowers that are arranged densely on the
branches of the inflorescence. Fruits are round, yellowish green turning
purplish-black when ripe. The ripen fruit pulp contain raphides, responsible
for itching. Fruits are eaten by Civet Cat.