Butia capitata is endemic to the south of Brazil and Uruguay. In Uruguay’s southeast there are dense palm forests covering some 70,000 hectares, mainly in the department of Rocha near the Castillos lagoon. This palm is widely used as an ornamental, and its fruit, the butiá, may be consumed fresh or used to produce jams and jellies and also alcoholic drinks. Its conservation is seriously compromised due to lack of regeneration.