Contrary to poular belief this tree does not grow in one direction either east to west oor north to south. They will grow any which way they please. They sucker PROFUSELY! And the suckers are not easy to dig out as they are quite deep --- longer than your arm; which makes it very difficult to keep the palm to a single specimen. The flower stalk is monstrously heavy & while the blooms are on it, it exudes a clear gel-type substance which will stain any masonry it gets on a nasty rusty orange color. I have found nothing that will remove the stain, so be forewarned not to let any of the gel drip onto any masonry. The fronds take a real beating from high winds & become easily shredded. Because the fronds grow in a fan shape, it also does not hold up to the winds of tropical storms & hurricanes well & is likely to lean or blow completely over. If dead flower stalks or fronds are left to brown on the tree they become extremely tough & are difficult to even saw off.