A nice purple butia capitata flower

[happypalms]

A nice bit of colour in this flower in the afternoon sun. It’s the first time this palm has flowered since it was planted 23 years ago. I purchased it as tube stock for two dollars. Planted in one of the hottest spots in the garden full sun all day long along with it being a very dry part of the garden. One tough palm the capitata surviving many adverse conditions in my climate.

[Harry’s Palms]

They are tough as nails. I too planted a Butia in full sun when it was still in a 4” band with strap leaves. Pretty sure it was Oderata though ( labeled Bonetti by the grower) . Turned very silver as it aged and has pink  inflorescence. It flowered after about 10 years , it is now over 25 years old and very large . True Capitata are quite rare over here. Watch out for the teeth on them , I got nailed pretty badly by mine earlier this year . The frond I was trimming was up over top f me and I foolishly was standing under it with my pole saw . When it came down it caught my arm and sliced me . Harry

[happypalms]

6 hours ago, Harry’s Palms said:

They are tough as nails. I too planted a Butia in full sun when it was still in a 4” band with strap leaves. Pretty sure it was Oderata though ( labeled Bonetti by the grower) . Turned very silver as it aged and has pink  inflorescence. It flowered after about 10 years , it is now over 25 years old and very large . True Capitata are quite rare over here. Watch out for the teeth on them , I got nailed pretty badly by mine earlier this year . The frond I was trimming was up over top f me and I foolishly was standing under it with my pole saw . When it came down it caught my arm and sliced me . Harry

Tougher than a nail being driven in with a hammer that’s for sure. Underrated in my area there more  of a frost tolerant choice than a beauty thing as an ornamental. There’s always something in the plant kingdom that will sting or scratch or better yet poison oneself. Plants have a way of letting you know when enough is enough and the don’t muck with me theory. Sooner or later they eventually get you in some form or another. 
Richard