Butia capitata

Common names

Wine Palm, Jelly Palm, Pindo Palm.

Curiosities

Named ‘capitata’ for the leaves appearance, like a messed up hair. Fruits are used to make a tasty jelly.

Origin

Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, Paraguay.

Habitat

Open dry areas, in clay and sandy soils at low altitude.

Morphology

This palm has a grey and smooth massif trunk with an arched crown, and reaches 3-5 m of height when adult. The pinnate leaves are highly bended and have 44-88 leaflets on each side, greenish or greyish-blue in colour. Fruits are ovoid, yellow to red, and have a sweet flesh.

Climate

Subtropical to temperate. Frost resistant. This palm has tolerated temperatures down to –10.2ºC (13.6ºF, USDA Zone 8a).

Germination

Seed germination is irregular; some seeds germinate after a few weeks while others may take a year or more.

Growing

Frost and drought tolerant. Suitable in Mediterranean climate and in sheltered positions of continental areas. Prefers full sun, a well-drained soil and lots of water, although it is tolerant to clay and limestone soils. Not advised as inside plant since needs plenty of light. Apply a micronutrient containing fertilizer if young leaves take a light yellowish green colour and growth is not the appropriate. May develop sulphur deficiency.