Tropical Plant "Jelly palm"
Butia capitata

Characteristics - The jelly palm is not a cultivated fruit bearer nor is it common in nature, native to the savannas and barren lands of western Bahia, northwestern Minas Gerais and northeastern Goias. It is a solitary palm, 4-5 m tall. The trunk is erect, 20-30 cm in diameter, covered with persistent leaf bases. Leaves are pinnate, 11 -20 concurrently, with indistinct sheath and petiole; the rachis is arching, 80-170 cm long; there are 49-53 pinnae on each side, uniformly distributed, arranged obliquely, forming a V in cross section. Inflorescences interfoliar, branched, with about 100 rachises. The fruits have a fibro-succulent mesocarp (pulp) and an acidic flavor.

Uses - The fruits are consumed in their natural state in the form of juices, but are not widely appreciated.

Propagation - Propagated by seeds.