Reaching up to a height of 60 feet in its native land this tropical plant comes from Africa, Polynesia, Australia, and India. Its trunks are ringed with horizontal leaf scars, and roots which grow from miscellaneous spots on the trunk and main stems into the ground. It also acts as a strong base and reduces the danger of the tree being blown over during storms. The leaves are shaped like long, thin swords, 2-3 feet in length. Large clusters of male and female hidden flowers are produced on them. The female flowers are followed by large, fleshy fruits that resemble cones. Flowers are not produced when they are small, but they are still often grown for their ornamental foliage. They are easy to grow and make nice houseplants.