Parajubaea torallyi var. microcarpa

Common names

Palma Chico.

Curiosities

Fruits are eaten and can be often found in markets, while P. torallyi var. torallyi fruits are not usually consumed.

Origin

Bolivia.

Habitat

In the valleys of the dry Andes mountains, at 3700 meters above sea level.

Morphology

The main difference between P. torallyi var. torallyi and P. torallyi var. microcarpa is the size of fruits and seeds, smaller in the second one (and so the name microcarpa, which means small seed). This is not the only difference, P. torallyi var. torallyi has more erect leaves like Attalea spp., while P. torallyi var. microcarpa has arched and folded leaves like P. cocoides . Leaves are greyish-green in colour. Can produce fruits after 10-15 years.

Climate

One of the most cold hardy palms.

Germination

Seed germination is usually difficult and time-consuming, so keep them in a warm and dry place for 1 or 2 months before planting. Germination is often erratic; some plants may appear after some years. It is recommended to make a cut in the pericarp (seed cover) to help humidity to enter the seed. Growers usually obtain good results by soaking the seeds for around a week, without warm, before planting. Other authors recommend giberelic acid, a hormone that speeds up germination.

Growing

Cold and drought tolerant. Fast grower.