A native of India where it is common in scattered stands, It is generally much faster growing, however, and has a crown of grey-green/glaucous fronds. In its native state the flower stalks are tapped for their sap, which is boiled down to make date sugar.

The yellow fruit are reputedly edible but are very acid and if at all green are also astringent. This hardy palm will grow in tropical or temperate regions and in inland and coastal districts. It requires a sunny position in well-drained soil.