On the eve of the World Tourism Day, I find myself exploring the bylanes of Central Kerala with a fellow birder and nature enthusiast. While landing in Kochi, the plane emerged from the clouds to a sea-like expanse of coconut palms. This is in contrast to the forest-covered hills, mangroves or slums that welcome a visitor to Mumbai. But, when you drive through the city you realise that Mumbai does support a huge diversity of palms.

The leaves of the fishtail palm resemble the zigzag tail fins of a fish, acquiring the name