Woolly Jelly Palm

**Butia eriospatha**, the woolly jelly palm, is an accepted palm species native to southern Brazil. [Kew](https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:38718-2) recognizes the species, and the [Royal Horticultural Society](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/156159/butia-eriospatha/details) calls it the woolly butia palm. ## Form and placement This solitary palm has recurving green leaves and a gray trunk; its flower sheath has a conspicuous brown, fuzzy covering, as described by [Project Palm](https://projectpalm.net/species/butia-eriospatha). The RHS describes *Butia* as a genus of relatively hardy South American palms with feathery, gray-green drooping foliage, and notes that many species produce fruit used for jellies or drinks. For this species, Project Palm recommends a sunny site, fertile soil with good drainage, and regular watering during active growth. Its page gives an approximate height of 13 feet, but allow room for the crown and adapt watering to local soil and weather. ## Maintenance Keep the root zone draining freely and avoid leaving soil saturated. The leaf stems are armed, so take care when working around the crown and foliage.