Butia capitata (Jelly Palm)

Large, rather slow growing, solitary feather palme with a rugged, gray trunk and a rather loose crown of turn backed, elegant V-shaped feathery and gray-green leaves. The inflorescences are large amounts of yellow, almost apricot sized fruits that taste somewhat reminiscent of pineapple and jams or jellies can be processed. Butia capitata is here at home, widespreading in eastern and southern Brazil and Uruguay in savannah and grazing areas, generally on sandy soils. It is resisting hard frosts to 10°F (-12°C) in Germany, but it needs heated winter protection in Germany. There are already successes with heated outdoor overwintering in Germany, here in Brazil they do not need winter protection!

Our specimen was planted in 2008. One smaller specimen was added in 2011.

 

Updated by Joachim Jaeck on October 14th, 2013