Quito Palm
Parajubaea cocoides
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Pl. B597 — Parajubaea cocoides
Parajubaea cocoidesParajubaea cocoidesParajubaea cocoidesParajubaea cocoidesParajubaea cocoidesParajubaea cocoidesParajubaea cocoidesParajubaea cocoidesParajubaea cocoidesParajubaea cocoidesParajubaea cocoidesParajubaea cocoidesParajubaea cocoidesParajubaea cocoides
IOverview
Overview
The Quito Palm (Parajubaea cocoides) is a large palm tree native to Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. It thrives in full sun to partial shade, requiring moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). This palm can grow up to 15 meters tall and is known for its edible seeds, which are often used in local cuisine. Its native range spans the Andean regions of South America, where it plays an important role in the local ecosystem and provides a valuable food source. One distinctive feature of the Quito Palm is its ability to adapt to various soil types while maintaining its ornamental appeal, making it a versatile addition to gardens and landscapes.
Quick answers
What is Quito Palm?
The Quito Palm (Parajubaea cocoides) is a large palm tree native to Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. It thrives in full sun to partial shade, requiring moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay).
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
The Quito Palm thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist, well-draining soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It grows up to 15 meters tall and is hardy in temperate regions. For propagation, use the seed. Ensure the planting site has adequate moisture as it requires consistently damp conditions.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Mature size
15.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Quito Palm for the first time
8steps
Start with a Quito Palm to experience growing a tropical palm in your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
A Quito Palm seed or young plant, potting soil, and a container if planting indoors.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant the Quito Palm during spring when temperatures are warm and stable.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil with a mix of light (sandy), medium, or heavy clay. Ensure containers have drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Plant the seed 2-3 cm deep in moist soil. For young plants, dig a hole twice as wide and deep as the root ball.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Place the plant in partial sun to avoid direct sunlight.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full or partial sun, keep the soil moist, and fertilize with a balanced fertilizer every 6 months.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead fronds to maintain the plant's health. Harvest seeds when they are ripe and dry.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in full sun, using heavy clay soil without drainage, not providing enough space for growth.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Seed
Edible uses: Oil
Other uses:oil
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
3 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
3 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 3 native
Americas3 regions
native (3)ColombiaEcuadorPeru
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
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Companion planting
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · b597fea7-cbb1-43d3-bfc1-e6663baac484
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