Butia capitata - Jelly palm

The most common Butia in cultivation, this beauty is native to a large part of southern Brazil and Uruguay. It grows in protected natural sites 'cerrado areas' on sandy soils. The non-cerrado populations in Southern Brazil growing on the coast in sandy soil clearly differ, and should be considered a separate species (see Butia odorata).

They form the worlds largest remaining population of wild Butias in Rocha ,Uruguay.

The palm is considerably frost hardy, and grows to 6m tall, although in cultivation it can grow considerably higher. It is very frost resistant, and, once established, good sized plants have been known to survive -10C. They can even recover from lower temperatures when apparently damaged by frost, although protection during such spells of cold is highly recommended.

The palm is still common in gardens of South Brazil where it is grown for its sweet fruits

Hardiness	Protect below -7°c
Watering	Water moderately
Sun	Prefers sunny conditions
Comes from	Southern Brazil, Uruguay