Jelly Palm, South american jelly palm

Butia capitata

Physical Characteristics

Butia capitata is an evergreen Tree growing to 6 m (19ft) by 4 m (13ft) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. It is in leaf all year. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Southern S. America - South Brazil and Uruguay.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; South Wall. By. West Wall. By.

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Oil Stem Edible Uses: Oil Fruit - raw[61, 105, 177]. Sweet and aromatic with the flavour of apricots[183, K]. They can also be made into jellies, jams, pies, cakes etc[183]. The fruit is very fibrous but is also very nice[K]. The fruit is about 34 x 25mm[200]. The seed contains up to 45% of an edible oil, it is used mainly for margarines[2, 46, 61, 74]. The pith of the stem can be made into a bread[2]. However, because the tree cannot make side branches this will effectively kill it[K].

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

None known