Butia catarinensis

Butia catarinensis, the Southern Jelly Palm, is endemic to south-eastern Brazil often growing along the coastal strip in sandy well-drained soils. It derives its specific name from the south Brazilian state of Santa Catarina where it predominates, but is is also found in Paraná and Rio Grande do Sul. Butia catarinensis is an elegant medium-sized Butia, considerably smaller than others in the genus but by no means one of the dwarf or grass-like species. It develops a thin trunk, rarely wider than 15cm and reaches 2-3m in height and has tough but very attractive pinnate foliage.

Some Butia species were reclassified a few years back. This species, which had been Butia capitata var odorata, became Butia catarinensis. Butia capitata became Butia odorata. There is a considerable difference in stature between the two palms. This species, Butia catarinensis being more refined than the chunkier, stouter Butia odorata. It also has distinctively different shaped seeds, Butia catarinensis being smallish and elliptical and Butia odorata's seed being large and round.

In the UK, it is best suited to warm, sheltered aspects in the milder regions of the country. It is hardy to around -8C to -10C so is not suited to the coldest parts of the UK. It requires a well-drained gritty but fertile soil and will respond well to applications of liquid fertiliser during the spring and summer. Protect when young.