COPERNICIA PALM (WAX PALM)

Scientific Name: Copernicia spp. (There are several species within the Copernicia genus, with the two most commercially important being:)

  • Copernicia prunifera: Carnauba Palm, Carnaubeira Palm
  • Copernicia alba: Caranday Palm, Wax Palm

Common Names: Wax Palm, Carnauba Palm (for Copernicia prunifera), Caranday Palm (for Copernicia alba), Brazilian Wax Palm

Description:

The Copernicia palm is a majestic and economically important genus of palm trees native to South America, particularly Brazil. Here’s what defines them:

  • Size:
    • Depending on the species, Copernicia palms can reach impressive heights of 15-30 meters (50-100 feet).
    • They typically have a single, slender trunk with a smooth, gray or brown bark.
  • Leaves:
    • The defining feature is the large, pinnate leaves that can grow up to 6 meters (20 feet) long.
    • These leaves are covered in a waxy coating, particularly on the undersides. This waxy layer is the source of the palm’s commercial value.

Uses:

  • Carnauba Wax: The primary use of the Copernicia palm is the production of carnauba wax. This wax, extracted from the waxy coating on the leaves, is a hard, high-melting point wax with numerous industrial and commercial applications. It is used in:
    • Car and furniture polish
    • Floor wax
    • Food coatings (e.g., candy)
    • Pharmaceuticals
    • Cosmetics
Categories: ,