We're seeing a big increase in their popularity for both commercial and residential use. Steve Urick of McDonald Garden Center agrees. It makes an excellent specimen plant for a patio or small courtyard. Also called pindo palm, this is the only feather-leaved palm reliably hardy north of coastal Georgia. Native to southern Brazil, the ornamental grows well on the coast in dry, sandy soil.
Fruit is yellow, apricot shaped, sweet and juicy with a flavor like a mix of banana and pineapple.
Fruit ripens late August-early September. Reaches 15 feet tall. It's a great palm for this area, agrees Eddie Baldree at Enchanted Forest Nursery in Chesapeake. Does not exceed 10 feet in height. Great container specimen around pools and patios.