The roots form a pyramidal tract to hold the trunk. They commonly have many thick stilt roots near the base, which provide support as the tree grows top-heavy with leaves, fruit, and branches. These roots are adventitious and often branched. The top of the plant has one or more crowns of strap-shaped leaves that may be spiny, varying between species from 30 cm to 2 m or longer, and from 1.5 cm up to 10 cm broad. the fruit changes from green to bright orange or red as it matures. The fruits can stay on the tree for more than 12 months.