Butia eriospatha, commonly known as Woolly Jelly Palm, is an evergreen palm native to the grasslands and open woodlands of Southern Brazil. It is characterized by a solitary, often inclined trunk that can be partially subterranean, reaching heights of 10-20 feet (3-6 meters) and a spread of 6-12 feet (1.8-3.6 meters). The palm’s distinguishing feature is its woolly, fiber-covered flower spathe from which it derives its common name. The pinnate leaves are a bluish-green color, creating a striking visual contrast in the landscape. It produces inconspicuous yellow, red, and green flowers in the fall, followed by edible fruits that attract wildlife.

Woolly Jelly Palm is valued for its cold tolerance compared to other palms, making it suitable for cultivation in regions with mild temperate climates. It is often used as a focal point in gardens and landscapes for its unique appearance and texture. This palm prefers full sun to part shade and can tolerate a range of soil types, provided they have good drainage. It is relatively drought-tolerant once established, requiring low to medium amounts of water. While generally disease-resistant, it can be susceptible to lethal yellowing disease in some regions.CC BY-SA 4.0