Plants in genus butia
Butia odorata
Butia odorata, a slow-growing palm native to southern Brazil and Uruguay, is known for its thick trunk and arching feather-like leaves. It can reach up to 10 feet in height and produces highly aromatic fruit. This palm is one of the hardiest of its kind, tolerating temperatures as low as 15 degrees Fahrenheit. It thrives in sandy and rocky soils and is often found in small clusters in its native habitat. The fruit is sweet and sour, with a taste reminiscent of pineapple and apricot. It is a popular ornamental plant in Mediterranean Europe and the southern USA.
Butia capitata
The Butia capitata, commonly known as the jelly palm, is a hardy feather palm notable for its drought tolerance and disease resistance. It features curving grey-green fan-like leaves that can reach up to 10 feet in length. This palm produces sweet and tart yellow fruit in the summer, which is larger than a cherry and can be used to make jelly and wine. The tree also displays yellow-red flowers in late spring. With a lifespan of up to 80 years, it is a resilient choice for various climates, including cold regions. Its trunk grows straight with a circumference of about 1.5 feet.