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Butia yatay

yatay palm

An elegant, single-stemmed palm tree to 10m tall, with strongly arching leaves divided into numerous slender, grey-green leaflets. In summer it produces a long, branched cluster of yellow flowers; these are followed by conical, green to purple fruits. Hardy to around -10°C given a very free-draining soil

Other common names
jelly palm
Synonyms
Cocos yatay
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Size
Ultimate height
8–12 metres
Time to ultimate height
more than 50 years
Ultimate spread
1.5–2.5 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green Grey Silver
Summer Yellow Green Grey Silver
Autumn Green Grey Silver Green Purple
Winter Green Grey Silver
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Drought resistance
Yes
Hardiness
H4
Botanical details
Family
Arecaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Columnar upright
Genus

A genus of relatively hardy palms, native to South America, with feathery, grey-green drooping foliage, some grown as stemless plants and others as small trees. Many species of Butia produce edible fruits which can be made into jellies and alcoholic drinks

Name status

Correct

Plant range
Brazil to Argentina

How to grow

Cultivation

Outdoors grow in deep, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Hardiness is dependent on the ground being dry in very cold spells. See palm cultivation outdoors. Under glass grow in loam-based potting compost in bright, filtered light. When in growth, water moderately and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly; keep just moist in winter. Pot on or top-dress in spring. See palm cultivation indoors

Propagation

Propagate by seed; germination may be slow and erratic

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Architectural
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Coastal
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Patio and container plants
  • Sub-tropical
  • Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite and scale insects when grown under glass

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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