Friday, May 21, 2010

Cold Hardy Palm: Jubaea chilensis (Chilean Wine Palm)

Since arriving in Vancouver about two weeks ago I've begun extensively researching cold hardy palms.  I've always been a fan of hardy tropical looking plants so I'm unbelievably excited!  I've seen two common varieties here; Trachycarpus fortunei and Chamaerops humilis.  Although I've already grabbed seeds from a Trachy and started soaking them (only about 50), I've come up with a list of nearly 20 other hardy or potentially hardy candidates.

The one I am most interested in now is Jubaea chilensis or the Chilean Wine Palm.  The name comes from the sweet sap that can be boiled into something similar to corn syrup or fermented into alcohol (unfortunately the tree is often cut down to gather it).  It also produces orange fruits known as coquitos.  These can be eaten fresh or turned into jam.

The seeds themselves are also edible.  Apparently they taste almost identical to coconuts.  The image below is from Dave's Garden, a very informative site worth a look.  There is a reference in the upper left hand corner of the image but it is difficult to see.  Can you believe this can grown unprotected in Canada?

This palm is considered a giant by many.  It may grow taller than 25m (82ft).  The growth rate is apparently slow for the first 15 years or so but it then moderate under good conditions.  Adult trunks may be 1m (3ft) in diameter and I've seen 2m monsters mentioned while searching.

This lovely giant is marked for USDA zones 8/9 (up to 10b depending on the source, also one person in 7b).  I know of at least one person growing it on Vancouver Island (not to be confused with Vancouver the city).  It has had no special protection and has grown fine.  I have seen many cases of the plant surviving -15C (5F).  To add to this cold hardiness, Jubaea chilensis also prefers a cooler climate and doesn't mind moisture (perfect for Vancouver).  It does however hate salt spray and must be located away from the coast.  Good drainage is also a necessity.

All that being said, I want one.  I'll keep an eye open for the fruit in stores.  Every supplier I've seen either has ridiculous prices, won't ship to Canada or has a minimal order value.  I say nay!  If anyone knows a good supplier please let me know.  Although they are native to Chile, some have been planted in California and that is where the majority of the seeds appear to come from.  I may have found a good Canadian source I'm just waiting for an email response.  Thanks to anyone that can help!

14 comments:

  1. I direct you to my comment on your comment. :P I don't know if this is a place you've checked out, but if you're ordering a couple of things, it doesn't seem *too* prohibitive...

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  2. The price does seem quite reasonable. I'll have to wait and see what happens with the other source.

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  3. I was just at Phoenix Perennials in Richmond, and noticed that there is a Palm Society Plant Sale Saturday, May 22 from 9:30 to 4:30 http://www.phoenixperennials.com/nursery/directions.php
    This is also a neat nursery to visit, I went in for one plant and ended up leaving with 3, oh well. It's worth a drive.

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  4. Aerelonian, I think I remember reading that you were interested in the Laburnum Walk at Vandusen, I received an e-mail from a fellow Richmond Garden Club Member it is as follows:

    "I was at VanDusen today and enjoyed the Laburnum walk. The flowers were at their best and with the allium planted underneath it is a delightful sight. If you are in the area it is well worth stopping and walking through the garden."

    Jill Wright

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  5. Thanks for the info! They seem to have a tonne of plants. There's even a red Acacia! I'd love to go to VanDussen as well. I'll have to take a look at prices.

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  6. We have some palms here that they seem to use on the interstate hwys. they are tall and look like featherdusters (these do too). I don't think they are exactly the same, but I love this look!!! Good luck with your seeds. California is a huge supplier of palms...we saw tons of nurseries in San Diego, growing on the sides of mountains) when we were there!!!

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  7. Good luck finding the seed. I'll let you know if I spot any. Those are awesome palms!

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  8. I love Jubaea chilensis, it is one of my favorite palm species and I wish people planted it more. There is a young specimen in a small public park in my hometown in southwestern Germany (Zone 8, with a very wet climate, http://journeysandjonquils.blogspot.com/2009/12/summer-travels-part-12-der-katzsche.html)which has been doing very well ever since it was planted.

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  9. @Julie, whatever the species they really are an interesting palm. California does seem to be the hub. Almost all the seeds I've found are coming out of there. Apparently this species grows primarily on steep slopes.

    @Laura, thanks for keeping the look out!

    @College Gardener, I'm starting to feel really good about this palm. Everything indicates it is really well suited to this climate and likely hardier than people believe.

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  10. I can't believe we don't see more of these in our climate. I would love to have a palm plant in my yard. Thanks for the info!

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  11. There are some that are much hardier, as well as bananas. I'll be doing some more cold hardy species profiles.

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  12. try getting seeds here:
    http://www.rarepalmseeds.com/wholesale.shtml

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  13. Excellent post,Thank you for providing this information. Keep Posting!!

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  14. Cedar Rim nurseries on Glover Rd. in Langley sells Chillean Wine Palms. That's where I bought mine at a fairly reasonable price considering how exotic they are. Mine has done well this winter in my backyard Langley garden despite that early cold snap in November that damaged my eucalyptus. Hope this helps> My e-mail address is vehman@shaw.ca

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