Palms   Butyagrus yatayXromanzoffiana

Common Names: Mule Palm General: This palm is a natural hybrid between Butia yatay , and Syagrus romanzoffiana . Hybrids between the 2 genera aren't unusual, however the normal cross is between B. capitata and S. romanzoffiana , so this one is unusual in that respect. Because its a hybrid between 2 genera, it is sterile, and will never produce viable seed. Culture: Since this is a hybrid between two of the toughest, and easiest to grow palms, the expectation would be that it also be very hardy, and it would also have "hybrid vigour".	Figure 1. Butia yatay X Syagrus romanzoffiana in Cordoba, Argentina.
Figure 2. B. yatay X S. romanzoffiana	Figure 3. B. yatay X S. romanzoffiana
Figure 4. B. yatay X S. romanzoffiana in a garbage dump close to a river that grew just next to a fence. Near Goya, Province of Corrientes, Argentina.	Figure 5. B. yatay X S. romanzoffiana in an abandoned refuge in a Cattle station. The Eucalyptus in the picture were all planted. There was only one old Butia (80/100 years) close to the Butyagrus. Otherwise in that area naturally there are only Butias and grass. Near Goya, Province of Corrientes, Argentina.

The problem with these plants is that first the crossing has to happen and then the seedling has to survive the cattle or fire.

Generally Syagrus is in lower areas close to rivers and Butias are in higher sandy sectors . In the sandy sectors people make agriculture and then plant different trees such as Syagrus around the house. This makes the crossing easier but it is rare you will find a seedling since people clean or cut the grass.

Figure 6. B. yatay X S. romanzoffiana . These Butyagrus from B. yatay
are more massive than both Butia and Syagrus.

Contributed by:	Gaston Torres Vera, Cordoba, Argentina (Images copyright Argentina Palms) (Figure 1)
	Juan Carlos Pech (Figures 2-6)