Synonyms of Jubaea chilensis
Chilean wine palm, Jubaea spectabilis
Origin of Jubaea chilensis
It grows in the central regions of Chile, in the Cocalan and Ocoa valleys, where only a few thousand protected subjects remain.
Hardiness of Jubaea chilensis
It can withstand severe frosts (-12 to -15°C, 10 to 5°F) without damage. It is one of the most hardy pinnate palm, and the best palm for temperate climates.
Description of Jubaea chilensis
The Chilean wine palm is a massive palm with an imposing trunk (up to 5 m in diameter and 25 m in height in its native habitat), but a slow-grower. A few centennial palms can be admired in Brittany, on the French Riviera, and even in Great-Britain.
Its leaves are pinnate, like those of the coconut palm, with a grey colour. The small fruit looks and tastes like miniature coconuts.
How to grow Jubaea chilensis
In full sun in a well-drained soil.
Story time
It was endangered in its native habitat, because the trunk was cut to harvest its sweet sap. It is now protected.
