Pindo Palm / Jelly Palm Butia capitata Butia, is a genus of nine species of palms in the family Arecaceae, They are 'feather palms',Beautiful blue-green pinnate leavesstrongly recurved2-4 m long. The species vary from nearly stemless rarely exceeding 15’ tall Ultimately it can grow to about 10 or 20 feet, though this will take some yearsButia capitata is notable as one of thehardiest feather leaf palms,tolerating temperatures down to about 14° degrees F. mature trees as low as 10°degrees F.Tolerant of the weather in high rainfall regions This tree is commonly known as the "jelly palm" because of the sticky, edible fruit it produces, which is used in many South American countries as jelly. It’s fruit is also used to make alcoholic spirits. It thrives in humid subtropical climates.
Average Height: 15' Growth Rate: Slow Hardiness: to 14° F(may need some protection on colder winter days) Comments: Edible fruit, excellent feature palm
To plant and grow them in the Pacific NW you will need to mix top soil ( potting soil) 50 / 50 with a landscape sand & small pea gravel mixHave the root ball raised about 1/4 out of the hole but mounded up with the soil mixture, (never use coastal beach sand). Very important to plant in an area where the palm will get early morning and mid day sun during the winter months. Protect from strong off shore coastal winds. I recommend using a water meter the first year. They usually only need to be watered in the summer months and then only when young or after transplanting. In colder areas plant on the South side of a fence or building this will generate radiant heat from the sun in the winter helping to protect the palm on colder nights.
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