Jubaea chilensis --Chilean Wine Palm--

Chile cocopalm Probably the most massive and undoubtedly the most cold tolerant of all pinnate palms, this species, although unfortunately not common in cultivation, hardly needs any introduction. Native to central Chile, it is well suited to temperate and subtropical climates. It is highly drought tolerant but will also do well in cold and humid conditions. It does not need hot summers to grow well, and in winter it can take severe frost down to -16°C (3°F) unharmed. For many temperate climates it is the only large pinnate palm that is cold tolerant enough to be successful long term. Many fine centennial examples can be admired; for example, in California, in Australia, along the Mediterranean, in southern Switzerland, along the windy Atlantic coast of France, and even in Britain and an on the cool, rainy west coast of Ireland. It would do well in many other areas, but has been tried only infrequently. Germination and establishment are slow but easily accomplished, and young plants are sought after and of high value, as they are still rarely found in the nursery trade. Initial growth is slow . Please note that its name is spelled Jubaea, not Jubea as frequently seen. The leaves can be used to weave baskets, and it has edible seeds, widely eaten and known as Coquito nuts. The sap can be used to make palm wine and palm syrup, although unlike other palms which can be tapped, the whole tree has to be felled; this is now restricted by legal protection.Cultural RequirementsSun Exposure Full sun from early ageFrost Tolerance SevereWater Requirements LowDrought Tolerance YesWind Tolerance HighTolerance of Coastal Conditions YesAppearanceGrowth Rate SlowGrowth Form Large TreePalmlike TreeOrnamental Value BreathtakingUsesProperties EvergreenMonoeciousGardening LandscapingOrnamentalShadeFood/Medicinal Edible Seed/NutSugary SapAgriculture/Forestry AgroforestryFire Resistant