Tropical Plant "Purple yatay palm"
Butia purpurascens

Characteristics – The purple yatay palm is not a cultivated fruit bearer and is seriously threatened in its natural habitat in the semi-deciduous forest and the savannas of southern Goias and the ‘Triangulo Mineiro’ of Minas Gerais (its southwestern part). It is a solitary palm, 1-4 m tall. The trunk lacks crownshaft, and is ringed by persistent leaf bases. Leaves are pinnate, arched, 10-25 concurrently. The sheath and petiole are indistinct, with dense fibers on the margins of the basal portion. Pinnae-52-58 on each side, distributed more or less regularly, obliquely positioned forming a V in cross cut. Inflorescences interfoliar and branched with 60-88 rachises. Fruits are pulplish or yellow, the pulp is succulent and almost fiberless, with an acidic flavor.

Uses – The fruits are consumed in their natural state, as juices, but are not appreciated much.

Propagation – Propagated by seeds.