Pindo Palm, Jelly Palm

Butia capitata (Mart.) Becc.

BUU-tea-ah cap-ah-TAY-tah

Arecaceae

Explanation of name: Butia is a Brazilian name for the species (JON), according to RI2, the corruption of a name meaning spiny. Capitata means headlike.

Natural range: Brazil, Uruguay (ELL)

Native habitat: Savannahs and deciduous forest, with alternating wet and dry seasons (RI2)

Recognition: Medium to small (15’-20’) palm with arching, blue-toned, pinnate leaves, having the leaflets forming a V and having spines on the petioles. Fruits yellowish or reddish (edible). Hybridizes with Queen Palm (Syagrus romanzoffiana) as XButiagrus nabonnandii (RI2).

Landscape uses: Pindo Palm is best known for its cold tolerance, and is grown in regions far to the north of most palms. Being somewhat stiff and formal, and having blue-green leaves, it makes a strong statement as a specimen plant. Suitable for tubs (JON). Grown in Palm Beach County but more at home in slightly higher latitudes. ELL gives 6-8 months for germination, and suggests pre-soaking the seeds.