Chilean wine palm (Jubaea chilensis)

Chilean wine palm

Also known as: Syrup palm

Chilean wine palm (Jubaea chilensis) is a slow-growing, evergreen palm that will grow from 18 to 24 m tall. The thick, 91 cm wide trunk is the biggest of any palm tree. Mature trees will bloom in summer with sprays of purple and yellow, bowl-shaped flowers. Large clusters of yellow fruit ripen after blooming season and have a soft pulp that is said to taste like coconut. Long living, sometimes for several hundred years.

Scientific classification

Species

Chilean wine palm (Jubaea chilensis)

Palms, bullanocks, and allies

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Tree

Plant Type

Summer

Bloom Time

Mid summer, Late summer, Early fall

Harvest Time

15 m to 18 m

Plant Height

6 m to 8 m

Spread

Green

Leaf Color

Yellow, Brown

Fruit Color

Yellow, Purple, Red

Flower Color

Green, Yellow

Stem Color

Evergreen

Leaf type

Images of Chilean wine palm

Distribution of Chilean wine palm

Distribution Map

Chilean wine palm is inherently native to the southwestern region of South America. Beyond its endemic locality, chilean wine palm has been introduced and is cultivated in various temperate zones around the world. While specific countries are not detailed, it's known to thrive in areas with Mediterranean-like climates, reflecting its adaptive nature to similar environments as its place of origin.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Between the coast and the hills

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Interesting Facts

The chilean wine palm is the largest palm tree in the world in terms of trunk width. It is not unusual to find old trees with 1.8 m-diameter trunks. Some researchers contend that the now-extinct trees of Rapa Nui (Easter Island) were of the same type. Their enormous trunks could have been fashioned into rollers for the island's stone moai.

Name Story

Chilean wine palm: The genus name of the chilean wine palm, Jubaea, was named for Juba, a king of the ancient North African nation of Numidia. The country fought wars with Rome and appears to have existed for less than 200 years. The species name, chilensis, simply refers to the tree's home territory of Chile.

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Quickly Identify Chilean wine palm

Robust gray trunk, 4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 meters) in diameter at base, towering up to 80 feet (24 meters).

Pinnate gray-green leaves, 8-12 feet (2.4-3.7 meters) long, resembling coconut in taste.

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Care Guide for Chilean wine palm

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

15 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Originating from semi-arid Chile, chilean wine palm thrives with drought tolerance and requires moderate watering every 1-2 weeks. Preferring well-drained soil, it benefits from deep, infrequent watering that mimics natural rainfall, promoting a strong root system and preventing waterlogging.

Fertilize: For chilean wine palm, use balanced or high-nitrogen fertilizers every 2-3 months for health and growth, particularly in spring and summer. Reduce feeding in cooler seasons and always water thoroughly after fertilization to enhance nutrient absorption and avoid root burn.

Pruning: Chilean wine palm is a slow-growing plant that requires minimal pruning, mainly to remove dead or damaged fronds in early spring. Avoid cutting too close to the trunk. Routine cleaning at the base helps prevent pests, while pruning encourages better growth and a robust structure.

Propagation: Chilean wine palm is a slow-growing plant that requires fresh seeds for better viability. Soak seeds in lukewarm water for 1-2 days before planting in well-draining, fertile soil. Maintain consistent moisture and a warm environment to support optimal germination and growth.

Repotting: Repot the slow-growing chilean wine palm every 1-2 years, preferably in spring. Use a spacious pot to accommodate its large roots. Ensure well-draining soil, adequate sunlight, and minimal water post-repotting until new growth appears to prevent root rot.

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