An optically anisotropic element comprises a discotic compound. The discotic compound has an oriented discotic plane. The discotic compound has a molecular structure including a discotic core and 3 to 20 combinations of ester bonds (—O—CO—) and 1- or 2-alkenyl groups. The alkenyl group can have a polymerizable group as a substituent group positioned at the terminal. A polymerizable discotic compound having an oriented discotic plane can be polymerized to form an optically anisotropic element. Alignment of the oriented discotic plane is fixed by polymerization. A new triphenylene compound is also disclosed.