Description

General aspect and origins - Butia yatay, sometimes also known as Cocos yatay, is a palm tree which is native to South America, and more precisely to Argentina, Brasil and Uruguay. This Butia can reach up to 40 ft (12 m), and is thus taller than its close relative Butia capitata.
Leaves - Leaves of Butia Yatay are pinnate, green-blue and very ornamental. They can be up to 6 ft (1.80-2 m) long, with a leaf stem of about 2 ft (60 cm). They are usually shorter than that of Butia capitata. Note : Leaf stems are generally thorny, and leaves should thus be handled with care.
Flowers - This palm tree has yellow inflorescences.
Fruits - Fruits are not edible, and are about 1.5 in (3.5-4 cm) in diameter. They are orange when ripe.

Culture

This ornamental palm tree can withstand cold temperatures down to about 10-14°F (-10°C to -12°C), and is thus one of the most frost-hardy pinnate palm trees (with, for instance, Jubaea chilensis, which is said to be slightly hardier when mature). This species can thus be grown in USDA zones 8 and warmer. However, young plants, which are more cold-tender, should be protected during the first winters.
Soil - This species prefers a well-drained ground and which remains fairly moist during the growing season.

Propagation

Seeds of this species can take several months to sprout.