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