PINDO PALM
Striking in appearance, the Pindo’s feather-leaf, silver-colored fronds (some call it more of a blue-green) create an outstanding contrast to a typical yard’s greenery. These are some of the hardiest palms in South Florida, laughing at cold, blazing sun, salt air and dry conditions.
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A native plant sometimes called “Jelly Palm,” the pindo produces edible berries that can be made into jelly with a sweet banana/pineapple flavor. The look of the this palm is unique yet versatile. It can fit in small yards, especially pretty with a modest beach house, an old-fashioned Florida bungalow, or dressing up the yard of a ranch-style home. And pindo palms work for large woodland estates, horse ranches or waterfront homes as a bright spot in the landscape.
“Note from Joel”
I have transplanted hundreds of Pindo Palms. There is no other palm that is so hardy. I have learned over the years that this palm is either loved or hated. There is no in between. I believe the hate factor is due to the color, which is an off blue, or a dirty blue/gray. It isn’t really tremendously popular although it should be. It is hardy, cold tolerant, never grows too big for itself, is easy to maintain, and fills up a lot of space. The trunk can also be ‘diamond cut’ to give it a real nice specimen look.
I have transplanted hundreds of Pindo Palms. There is no other palm that is so hardy. I have learned over the years that this palm is either loved or hated. There is no in between. I believe the hate factor is due to the color, which is an off blue, or a dirty blue/gray. It isn’t really tremendously popular although it should be. It is hardy, cold tolerant, never grows too big for itself, is easy to maintain, and fills up a lot of space. The trunk can also be ‘diamond cut’ to give it a real nice specimen look.
Butia capitata
Common Names: jelly palm, pindo palmFamily: Arecacea (palm Family)
The Pindo Palm Tree, scientific name Butia capitata, is one of the most popular palms in the world because of its stunning appearance, cold hardiness and bright yellow fruit, that can be made into a jelly. Its graceful appearances with blue-green fronds make it great for pool-side plantings, and also for container use. It is one of the most popular Florida Palm Trees. The Pindo Palm can live up to 80 years.
Scientific name: Butia capitata
Common names: The Pindo Palm is also known as Jelly Palm and Wine Palm.
Family: Arecaceae
Origin: It is native to Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina.
Appearance: It has a heavy gray trunk covered with old leaf bases. Trunk is around 15 ft tall and 1-1.5 ft in diameter. Occasionally, you can find specimens with a clean trunk. Without crownshaft, beautiful arching leaves emerge right from the trunk. Leaves are pinnate, or feather-like, ranging in color from green to bluish gray, about 5-10 ft long, with 80-150 leaflets that are about 20-26 inches long. They are supported by 3-4 ft long petioles that have spines along both edges.
Flowers/Fruits:
At the end of the spring the Pindo Palm produces small yellow to orange-red flowers, that grow in clusters on large 3-4ft long inflorescence. The flowers are monoecious, individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant. They get pollinated is by insects and wind.
Flowers are followed by bright orange fruits, also known as “pindo dates”, that hang in large clusters from the tree. Dates are round to oval-shaped, juicy, edible, about 1 inch in diameter. Fruits reach their maturity in the summer. The fruits can be eaten fresh and pureed, or used to make excellent jams as well as wine. You can also use it to make jelly, hence the name Jelly Palm. They can be stored for about one week in the refrigerator. It can get very messy when ripe fruits fall to the ground.
Growth Rate: Slow to Moderate. Butia capitata can slowly grow up to 10 – 20 ft and 10-15ft wide, but usually is not taller than 15ft with the spread of 10 ft.
Cold Tolerance: Pindo Palm Tree can tolerate cold down to 5F when mature enough. It is great for growing in USDA Zones 7b (5 to 10 F) to 11 (above 40 F).
Light Req: Partial shade to Full sun.
Water Req: Moderate. The Pindo Palm is tolerate of salt water, droughts and is tough enough to deal with weather stresses when mature. It also can grow in clay or sandy soils. It needs plenty of water until established in the first 2 years, but after that only little to moderate watering is needed.
Maintenance: Easy. In addition to their attractive look, this unique palm offers low to moderate maintenance. To prevent nutritional deficiency, apply good quality palm fertilizer that has continuous release formula twice a year during growing season.
Insects and Diseases: The Pindo Palm usually is not going to cause you any troubles. Palm leaf skeletonizer, scale, and micronutrient deficiencies are occasional problems for Pindo Palm. There are no major diseases that you need to be afraid of. The Pindo Palm can get a root rot if the soil is kept too moist and well drained.
