Hortiforum

General Info – Woolly Jelly Palm, Butiá-da-serra, Pindo Palm

The ideal palm for temperate climates, the Woolly Jelly Palm produces small orange-red fruits with a delightful Orange–Pineapple flavour, often regarded as superior to the fruit of the Jelly Palm (Butia Capitata). The pulp is succulent and fibreless, making it enjoyable for fresh consumption, but also perfect for preserves. Additionally, the fruits are fermented to make wine or soaked in alcohol for flavouring.
Native to the highlands and mountains of Southern Brazil, where cold winters with frost and damp conditions are common, the Woolly Jelly Palm thrives in temperate climates, even those regions with mild summer temperatures. It is typically found in open forests dominated by Araucaria species. This is an ideal palm for cultivation in cool temperate climates, particularly for those seeking tasty, edible fruits. Many consider it hardier than the related Butia Capitata, with some reports suggesting it can tolerate temperatures as low as -10°C, and others noting a certain resilience to -5°C. It generally prefers regularly moist but well-draining soil, although in cooler climates, it will require less frequent watering. A full-sun position is ideal for its growth.
The Woolly Jelly Palm is a cold-hardy feather palm, ideal for adding a tropical touch to a temperate garden. It gets its name from the distinctive brown hairs that densely cover the flowering spikes, giving them a woolly appearance. Its silvery-green fronds feature an attractive, graceful recurved shape.

Plant Profile/Properties