ENH264
The pindo or jelly palm was formerly known by the scientific name Butia capitata. However, recent research has shown that the correct name for this palm should be B. odorata. This small, single-stemmed, feather-leaved palm is widely grown in warmer parts of the US due to its unusual cold tolerance. It is considered hardy down to about 10°F or USDA zone 8A (see http://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/ PHZMWeb/), but can survive in protected sites in zone 7B. While they survive in south Florida, pindo palms grow much better in cooler, less humid climates. They are considered to be intolerant of salt spray. This species has not been assessed for invasiveness by the UF/IFAS Assessment of Non-native Plants in Florida’s Natural Areas.
1. This document is ENH264, one of a series of the Department of Environmental Horticulture, UF/IFAS Extension. Original publication date November 1993. Revised April 2015 and November 2023. Visit the EDIS website at https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu for the currently supported version of this publication.
2. Timothy K. Broschat, professor, UF/IFAS Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center; Ryan W. Klein, assistant professor, arboriculture, and Deborah R. Hilbert, UF/IFAS Gulf Coast REC; Department of Environmental Horticulture, UF/IFAS Extension, Gainesville, FL 32611.