Pindo Palm, Butia capitata, also known as Jelly Palm and Wine Palm, is an evergreen, tropical, fruit bearing palm tree. It is an indigenous to the grasslands, dry forests and savannas of a wide South American area including that of northerly Argentina, south-central Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay.

Butia capitata is a member of the Arecaceae family the genus Butia. The tree could grow to 7 meters tall but usually reaches 3.5-4.5 meters in height having a thick stout trunk of 0.3-0.5 meters in diameter.

Leaves are bluish-gray to green since the form of these palms vary from one individual to the next, 1.5 meters to 3 meters long, compound that arch and curve towards the ground from atop the tree trunk. Generally, the old leaf stems remain for years.

The leaf stems range from about 0.5-1.2 meters in length and with spines on both edges. Similar to most palms, the pindo palm produces an elaborate blooming structure known as an inflorescence. Fruit develops after the female flowers have been pollinated.

The Fruits of the pindo palm are spherical, bright yellow to orange, edible, called pindo dates in some areas. They can be consumed fresh and have a wonderful taste that begins like apple and transforms to tart tropical flavors as it teases the tongue. A jelly and alcoholic drinks are also made from the fruit. The fruit has a large round seed and slightly stringy fibrous flesh.

Tree Propagation is by seeds. The plant is very slow growing. Young palms are frequently found growing under older palms that have been permitted to produce fruit. Plants raised in arid or unproductive soils tend to be smaller in height and with smaller leaves. Light also bears upon the plant's form while those grown in full sun are more compact.

Butia capitata is an attractive, cold hardy palm; can tolerate to -10 Celsius for very short periods of time, very easy to grow, drought tolerant and wind resilient.

The tree favors a sandy, well drained soil but is adaptable and drought tolerant. Pindo palm will do well in full sun to a limited shade location and if raised in the home garden regular irrigation and feeding will produce a faster developing, more fascinating palm.

Butia capitata produces a large amount of fruit, which can be a nuisance, as maturing fruit draws wasps and other insects. Get rid of flower stalks to keep off messy cleanups. The pindo palm fruits are quite tasty, but you in all likelihood do not want 25 kilos of them!

Pindo Palm, Butia capitata, Jelly Palm, Wine Palm

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The key to successful fruit and nut production is the provision of a beneficial environment for the trees that bear them.