| Purple Yatay Palm | |
| Butia purpurascens |
A rare relative of the Jelly Palm having small, yellow fruits that have a prominent purple tint. The fruits have a succulent pulp, with an acidic flavor but are quite uncommon.
Description: A short palm, growing to 5-15 feet. Has huge, pinnate leaves that grow to several feet. Fruits form in large clusters of up to 75-100.
Hardiness: Fairly hardy for a palm, withstanding temperatures to at least 20F and probably lower.
Growing Environment: Unknown, but likely similar to the other jelly palms.
Propagation: By seeds, which are very slow to germinate.
Uses: The fruits can be eaten fresh but are usually used to make juices. The tree is generally not cultivated.
Native Range: Native to deciduous forest and savanna regions of Brazil. This species is rare in its natural environment and is rarely seen in cultivation.