South American jelly palm Butia odorata

Jelly palm is a hardy member of the palm family (Arecaceae). It is native to southern Brazil and adjacent Uruguay. This palm has long been mistakenly called Butia captiata, but that species is a more tropical species that is not as hardy and is rare in cultivation. All jelly palms in our area are Butia odorata. The species epithet, odorata, means fragrant. The meaning of the epithet was not explained when it was proposed; perhaps it refers to the fragrant ripe fruits.

Jelly palm prefers a warm, sunny location. Its leaves grow longer in partial shade situations, giving the palm a more graceful aspect than those grown in full sun, but they lose much of their silvery color. This variety is one of the hardiest of the feather-leaved palms. It has some drought tolerance due to its deep root system. It is moderately salt tolerant but intolerant of full shade, prolonged cold, and wet soil. This plant has few pest problems. 

This single-stemmed, cold-hardy palm has feathery, pinnate leaves that arch and recurve towards a thick, stout trunk. This shrub or small tree can reach up to 20 feet. Eventually, this plant will become a small (palm) tree. The base of the petiole is armed with teeth (short spines). The creamy white flowers attract bees.

This palm is popular in the warm, coastal part of southeastern NC. It makes a fine accent or specimen in a sunny border or lawn. It adds interest to winter gardens and can be grown for their edible fruits.

Quick ID Hints:

• Single, stout stem, clothed in gray leaf bases
• Blue-green, long, recurved, pinnately compound leaves
• Teeth (spines) on the margin of the petiole base.
• Stiffly erect pinnae ascend rachis in V-formation.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  Use a palm-specific fertilizer when growing in low-nutrient soil.