Palm native to the Far East with a single trunk covered in interwoven fibers. Strong, spiny petioles produce evergreen leaves each year, made up of 30–40 dark green segments with a grayer underside, while the lower leaves fall off. It blooms in late spring with long, drooping racemes of yellow flowers, followed by clusters of round bluish-black berries. It grows in all non-clayey soils and can also be cultivated in containers. It is highly resistant to frost and snow, and is used in squares, streets, as well as in parks and gardens.