Butia capitata is a plant in the arecaceae family. It is also known as the jelly palm, wine palm, or pindo palm. The plant is native to South America, specifically Uruguay, Argentina, Paraguay, and Brazil. The plant grows to be about 20-25 feet tall and has a diameter of about 6-12 feet. The leaves are pinnate and measure about 3-6 feet long. The plant flowers in the summer and the fruit ripens in the fall. The fruit is edible and has a jelly-like consistency.
About soil condition, (Butia capitata) prefers deep, sandy, well-drained soils, but it is adaptable to a wide range of soil types. It is also tolerant of saline soils. It requires full sun to partial shade and is not shade tolerant. It is intolerant of waterlogged soils.
Similar to other palm trees, the Jelly Palm (Butia capitata) needs full sun to partial sun to prosper. It's a slow growing palm that can get up to 20 ft. tall, but usually stays between 12-15 ft. It's trunk is silver-gray and the leaves are a bluish-green color. The Jelly Palm is a very drought tolerant palm and can even handle salt water conditions. It's a great palm for any landscape, whether it's in a garden, on a patio, or by a pool.
The temperature condition of the (butia capitata) is very important. If the temperature is too hot, the plant will not be able to develop properly. The leaves will become yellow and the plant will eventually die. If the temperature is too cold, the plant will not be able to flower.
Ideal humidity condition for this plant are between 40% to 60%. The Butia capitata does not do well in overly humid or dry conditions. If the humidity level gets too high, the leaves will start to yellow and drop off. If the humidity level gets too low, the leaves will become dry and brittle.
The fertilizer, this plant needs, should be high in potassium and low in phosphorus. If you live in an area with poor drainage, itÂ’s best to plant this species in a raised bed. The roots of Butia capitata are very sensitive to flooding and can easily rot.
Pruning your Butia capitata is important to maintain its health and appearance. You should remove any dead or diseased leaves, stems, or branches. You should also trim back any overgrown or untidy areas. This will help to encourage new growth and keep your plant looking its best.
Propagation for Butia capitata is typically done through seed, although vegetative methods can also be used. Seed should be scarified or stratified before planting. Vegetative propagation can be done through offsets or by grafting. Butia capitata is a palm that is native to Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina. It is also commonly known as the jelly palm or the wine palm. Butia capitata can grow to a height of 20-25 feet and has a spread of 10-15 feet. The leaves are blue-green in color and are pinnately divided. The flowers are yellow and borne in clusters. The fruit is a brown, yellow, or orange drupe that contains a single seed.
Usually, the plant growth rate during the first few years after planting is slow. After that, growth becomes more rapid and may exceed 10 feet (3 m) in a single growing season. The butia capitata grows best in full sun and well-drained soil. It is tolerant of drought, but will not tolerate waterlogged conditions.
Common problems for this kind of plant are over-watering, under- watering, and not enough light. Over-watering can lead to root rot, while under- watering can cause the leaves to turn yellow and drop off. Not enough light will cause the plant to become etiolated, or stretchy.
Source:
UNF - UNF Landscape - Butia capitata - Pindo palm or Jelly palm
Butia odorata (Butia capitata, misapplied) | Trees of Stanford
JC Raulston Arboretum - Our Plants - Butia capitata
