An Interesting Tree

I have always been fascinated by the tall palm at the back of my neighbour's garden. After quick reference to a book, I discovered that the palm is called "Fishtail Palm" or "Rabok" (in Malay), mainly because of the shape of its leaves which look like the fin or tail of a fish.

It has dense mop-like flower heads that cascade in a bundle from the top of the palm downwards. However, the fruit and plant itself can cause itching because of minute needle-like crystals found on it.