Family: Arecaceae
Scientific name: Parajubaea torallyi var. microcarpa
Common name: Bolivian mountain coconut
Origin: Bolivia

The Bolivian mountain coconut is the highest occurring palm tree in the world, and grows in sheltered valleys in the Bolivian Andes up to an altitude of 3400 meters. It is the only large plant at these altitudes, but nowadays is a protected species due to the disappearance of its habitat and the harvesting of seeds and fruits.
In nature the palm can grow about 10-20 meters high, and its leaves about 5 meters long. Big 15 kg heavy clusters of fruits are formed after inflorescence, each fruit about 5 cm big. It is a fast-growing palm that can (unprotected) endure frost up to -8 degrees Celcius. At lower temperatures the stem can be packed in foil or cloths, so it can survive even colder temperatures.

Sowing instructions: Let the seeds soak in lukewarm water for 48 hours, whereafter they can be sown in sowing mixture. Keep the soil constantly moist, and cover only half of the seeds with soil. Let them germinate at room temperature (may take a few months).

Sowing time: Whole year
Difficulty: Intermediate
Minimum temperature: -8 degree Celcius