Pindo Palm : Butia Capitata
The Pindo palm is a hardy palm tree. It is known for fruits that are used to make jellies. You can see these palms in urban areas and parking lots.
These trees are not very appreciated by people. Some people think that they are not beautiful enough. I think the Pindo palm can make graceful appearance to any landscape.
Additional Information:
Scientific name: Butia Capitata
Family: Arecaceae
Origin: It is native to South America (Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay).
Other names: Jelly palm, Wine palm
Growth rate: Slow
Trunk: The distinctive, solid, thick, rugged trunk is covered with leaf bases. When lower leaves die, leaf bases persist to the trunk. First it grows in width, and then it grows in height. It can grow to 25 feet tall, but usually it reaches only 15 feet in a height.
Leaves: The feather shaped, arching, blue-green leaves can reach 13 feet long.
Indoor/Outdoor Use: Both
Maintenance: Moderate
Light exposure: It grows well in full sun or light shade.
Water requirements: The Pindo palm should be watered regulary.
Drought toleration: It is a drought tolerant tree.
Cold toleration: It is cold hardy, can tolerate a temperature about 10 F. Below this temperature leaf damage can occurs.
Flowers: The stalks of white flowers come from the leaves at the end of spring.
Fruits: The flowers transfer into orange date-sized fruits that are edible at early stage. The fruits are used to make jellies, jams, cakes and even alcoholic drinks.
Propagation: It is propagated by seeds. Germination is erratic and can take several months.
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