Copernicia prunifera

Common names

Carnauba Wax Palm, Brazilian Wax Palm.

Curiosities

Useful for its wax, called carnauba.

Origin

Brazil.

Habitat

Morphology

Grows usually up to 10-15 m tall and 25 cm in diameter, with the persistent dead fronds covering the trunk in a spiraling pattern. Leaves have a long petiole, a circular blade with a greyish, waxy underside, and unarmed edges.

Climate

Tropical to warm temperate. This palm has tolerated temperatures down to –2.2ºC (28ºF, USDA Zone 9b).

Germination

The seed can take up to a year to germinate.

Growing

Requires full sun, in a moist, well-drained position.