Butia capitata

This is most common Butia in cultivation. It originates from a large part of southern Brazil and Uruguay, growing in open areas or cerrado vegetation on sandy soils. There are non-cerrado populations in Southern Brazil growing on the coast in sandy soil - these are clearly different and should be considered a separate species. See Butia odorata.

In Rocha, Uruguay, Butia capitatas form the worlds largest remaining population of wild Butias! The palm is still common in gardens of South Brazil where it is grown for its sweet fruits.


The palm is considerably frost hardy, and grows to 6m tall In cultivation, though, it can grow considerably higher. Good sized plants have been known to survive -10C, or even to recover from lower temperatures when damaged, although protection during cold weather is highly recommended.

 


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