Butia capitata var. odorata - S

About the Butia capitata var. odorata - S

Butia capitata var. odorata, now botanically accepted as Butia odorata, is a slow-growing evergreen pinnate palm with gracefully arching fronds that form a full, rounded crown. Depending on the amount of sunlight, the foliage ranges from blue-green to distinctly silver-grey. Mature specimens develop a sturdy single trunk with prominent old leaf bases.

This palm originates from the subtropical regions of southern Brazil and Uruguay. Its characteristic foliage colour, sturdy habit and good cold tolerance make it suitable as a container plant and as an outdoor palm in an appropriate, well-drained position.

Characteristics

Origin: Butia capitata var. odorata is native to southern Brazil, particularly Rio Grande do Sul, and Uruguay. It grows there in subtropical regions with warm summers and noticeably cooler winters.

Family: The species belongs to the palm family Arecaceae and the genus Butia. The commercial name Butia capitata var. odorata is a botanical synonym; the accepted name is Butia odorata.

Position: Place the palm outdoors in full sun. During winter, choose a position protected from cold winds where rainwater cannot remain around the roots for prolonged periods.

Height: Mature specimens can reach approximately 4.5 to 6 metres under favourable conditions and develop a broad crown. Growth is generally slower in a pot or container, and the eventual size depends more strongly on the available root space and care.

Flowering period: Sufficiently developed specimens may flower in spring. The flowers appear on large, branched inflorescences that emerge between the fronds.

Flower colour: The small flowers are creamy white to pale cream. The inflorescences carry flowers of both sexes and may attract pollinating insects.

Hardiness: Butia odorata is among the more cold-tolerant pinnate palms. Established specimens may withstand more frost in dry, sheltered conditions, but protection from approximately -5 °C is advised for this product application. Smaller plants, container-grown specimens and wet root balls are particularly vulnerable to frost damage.

Soil type: Use an airy, fertile and very well-drained soil. A mixture containing coarse sand, fine gravel or another drainage-enhancing material allows excess water to escape quickly. Heavy soil that remains wet for prolonged periods is unsuitable.

Care

Light: Place the palm in full sun whenever possible. Abundant direct sunlight supports sturdy growth and the characteristic blue-grey to silver-grey foliage colour. In partial shade, the fronds often become longer and greener. Gradually acclimatise the palm to intense sunlight after sheltered overwintering.

Water: Water moderately during the growing season and keep the root ball evenly moist without allowing it to remain continuously wet. Let the upper layer of soil dry slightly between waterings. Reduce watering considerably during winter and never leave standing water in a saucer or decorative pot.

Feeding: Apply a suitable palm or container-plant fertiliser containing sufficient trace elements regularly during the growing season. Distribute feeding across the active growth period and always follow the dosage stated on the packaging. Reduce or stop feeding during winter dormancy.

Pruning: Remove only completely dead, severely damaged or obstructive old fronds. Retain healthy green foliage because it is required for the palm’s continued growth. Wear gloves and work carefully because short spines occur near the bases of the petioles.

Repotting: Repot preferably in spring when the roots have filled the container or are emerging from the drainage holes. Use a slightly larger pot with sufficient drainage holes and a stable, well-drained growing medium. Remove as few healthy roots as possible during repotting.

Humidity: Average humidity is sufficient. The palm does not require constantly high humidity but benefits from adequate air circulation. Avoid allowing the foliage to remain wet for prolonged periods at low temperatures.

Special features: The bases of the petioles may carry short, sturdy spines. Mature specimens may produce fragrant flowers followed by aromatic yellow-orange fruit. The fruit is edible and is traditionally used for products such as jelly. Flowering and fruiting depend on development and growing conditions and are not guaranteed. The designation S refers only to the commercial size and provides no information about age, flowering maturity or fruit production.