Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Arecaceae

Genus:

Butia

Species:

Butia capitata

USDA Symbol:

BUCA15

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Tree

Height:

600 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

High

Bloom Months:

may,jun,jul

Bloom Colors:

yellow, cream

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

birds, small mammals

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Tolerates fire due to thick trunk and ability to resprout from crown after top damage. Common in fire-prone grassland ecosystems.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil

pH:

5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

dry to moderate

Notes:

Native to sandy plains and rocky hillsides

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

None required

Germination Time:

60–180 days

Notes:

Seeds germinate slowly and erratically. Fresh seeds germinate better; remove fruit pulp before sowing.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI