Jelly Palm Tree

Jelly Palm (also known as the Pindo Palm) is not only one of the most popular of the feather palm varieties, but also one of the hardiest. Use one as a specimen plant for your landscape away from walkways (due to its summer fruit), or group with other palms. It also works well for urban environments in poorer soils, or containers when young.

Your Jelly Palm is easily recognizable for its curving foliage. The 5 to 10-foot, fan-type leaves (so classic to palms), consist of elegant grey/green-hued leaves that arch up, and then inward back toward the impressive trunk.

The trunk itself tends to grow straight and true with a 1.5-foot circumference decorated with the leaf stalks of previous years. The stalks can easily be trimmed for a more manicured look to the grey trunk if you prefer.

In late spring, small yellow/red flowers appear in clusters, eventually transitioning to the fruit this palm is known for. A bit larger than a cherry, the round to oval-shaped, yellow fruit is ready for harvest in mid to late summer.

Both sweet and tart, it has a somewhat fibrous flesh with a fruity bouquet reminiscent of variations of pineapple, apple and banana, (depending upon the soil conditions). It's excellent for use in jelly (thus the name). Some also ferment the fruit for use as a wine.

It's disease resistant, drought tolerant and doesn't mind the cold. Jelly Palm can be expected to live up to 80 years and is obviously a great investment in a palm that's easy to care for and sure to provide enjoyment for years to come.