PINDO PALM
Butia odorata
FAMILY Arecaceae
SYNONYMS
Butia capitata var. odorata
Cocos odorata
ADDITIONAL COMMON NAMES
BRAZILIAN BUTIA PALM
YATAY PALM
JELLY PALM
See: all Butia
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by M. Ritter, J. Yost, W. Mark, J. Reimer
GENERAL INFO
Butia odorata is known for its arching silver-green fronds and sweet-tasting fruits. This small feather palm forms a thick and sturdy trunk and produces white, self-pollinating flowers. In partial shade, its leaves grow much longer and less silver than those grown in full sun. Additionally, its height, trunk thickness, and fruit size, color, and taste tend to vary across individuals. While drought and salt tolerant, this species is also unusually cold hardy for a feather palm. This trait along with its neat, compact habit makes this an attractive choice for landscaping in warm and temperate regions.
Native range: Brazil, Uruguay, and ArgentinaHorticultural use: Specimen or Buffer Strip or Street TreeEthnobotanical Info / Tree Use: The Pindo Palm has been cultivated by humans for at least 2,000 years. Its fruit ranges from sweet to sour, often compared to apricots, pineapples, and mangos. It is made into jelly and wine. Citations Page
Native range: Brazil, Uruguay, and ArgentinaHorticultural use: Specimen or Buffer Strip or Street TreeEthnobotanical Info / Tree Use: The Pindo Palm has been cultivated by humans for at least 2,000 years. Its fruit ranges from sweet to sour, often compared to apricots, pineapples, and mangos. It is made into jelly and wine. Citations Page
TREE CHARACTERISTICS
Tree Shape: PalmMaximum Tree Height: 25 feetCanopy Width: 10-15 feetGrowth Rate: ~12-24 in/yearLeaf Arrangement and Leaf Form: Alternate, Pinnately CompoundLeaf Shape: LinearLeaf color: Bluish Green or Silver or Gray GreenFlowers: Inconspicuous, FragrantFlower Color: WhiteFlower Time: SpringFruit: Medium Yellow, Orange, Green DrupeFruiting time: SummerFruit Value: EdibleBark Color: Brown, RoughLitter Type: Leaves, Fruit
SITE CONDITIONS
Recommended Planting Area: 4' to 7'Water Use Rating: LowSunset Climate Zone: 8 - 9, 12 - 24Shade Tolerance: NoUSDA Hardiness Zone: 8, 9, 10, 11Soil Texture: Loam or Sand or ClaySoil pH: Acidic to AlkalineSalt Tolerance: ModerateWind Resistance: Medium High
CONSIDERATIONS
Root Damage Potential: LowWildlife interactions: Attracts mammalsDisease and Pest susceptibility: Root Rot and ScalesUtility Friendly: NoWCISA Appraisal: Use BTF, $/BTF, Approx. cross sectional area not applicable
External Resources
CITE THIS TREE
"SelecTree. UFEI. "Butia odorata Tree Record." 1995-2025. Cal
Poly State University, San Luis Obispo. Accessed on Jun 20, 2025."
< https://selectree.calpoly.edu/tree-detail/229 >
< https://selectree.calpoly.edu/tree-detail/229 >
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