Butia catarinensis

We’re excited to be able to offer fresh seeds for the Santa Catarina Jelly Palm, a close relative to the common Jelly Palm, Butia odorata. As the name would suggest, this species is native to Southeastern Brazil in the state of Santa Catarina, as well as to Rio Grande do Sol. What sets this species apart from its more common cousin is mostly a matter of scale. The Santa Catarina Jelly Palm is a much smaller palm with a narrower trunk, more numerous, finer leaflets (pinnae), and shorter frond bases (petioles). All these characteristics make for a denser looking plant, perhaps with a little more grace.

The Santa Catarina Jelly Palm is similar in cold hardiness to Butia odorata and as such it is one of the most cold hardy feather palms there is. These palms will grow a trunk up to about eight feet high and about a foot wide, with a narrow canopy. If you’re looking for a tropicalesque plant for a smaller garden, this species should be a strong contender. Like the common Jelly Palm, this palm produces an edible fruit that has a tropical fruit flavor that works great in jellies.

Cold hardy to USDA zone 8a and above, or to 10 degrees Fahrenheit. For sale are packets of 10 seeds.