Description

General aspect and origins - Jubaea chilensis, also known as Chilean wine palm or coquito, is a massive and impressive palm that is native to Chile, where it is grown for its sap which is processed into palm honey and wine. It is now a protected palm in Chile.
This palm, which has pinnate leaves and a massive bottle-shaped stipe, can reach up to 80 ft (25 m) tall. It bears edible nuts which look like miniature coconuts.
Leaves - The Chilean wine palm has evergreen pinnate leaves, and a mature palm has a massive canopy of about 50 leaves that can be up to 15 ft (5 m) wide.
Flowers - This palm will not bear flowers before it is 40 to 60 years old. Inflorescences are yellow-cream and are about 5 ft (1.5 m) long.
Fruits - Fruits of the Chilean wine palm are also known as coquito. The fruits look like miniature coconuts, and are about 1.5 in (about 4 cm) in diameter. They taste also like coconuts.

Culture

Jubaea chilensis is a huge and showy palm when mature. However, it is a slow grower. Also, this palm is relatively frost-hardy, and will withstand brief frosts down to -10°C to -12°C. This palm can thus be grown in sheltered places in USDA zones 8, and warmer.
Soil - This palm requires a deep and well-drained ground. The Chilean wine palm is not especially salt resistant.

Propagation

This palm is propagated by seeds.
The seeds of Jubaea chilensis take time to sprout. The process will take up to 1 year and more. Also, this palm is said to be a slow grower till about 15 years. At this age, growth accelerates.

Pests and diseases

One major enemy of the Chilean wine palm (and of many palms) is Paysandisia archon, a butterfly which can be a major threat to palms in Southern Europe and other places in the world.