Copernicia prunifera

Like all Copernica species, the Carnauba Wax Palm is a slow-growing palm, but its thick crown of deeply divided fan leaves and the swirling pattern on the hard trunk left by old leaf basis makes it a palm well worth growing. It is grown extensively in Brazil for its wax which is derived from the leaf stems and this is a valuable export product. Outside its natural habitat it is relatively rare and is grown mostly in private gardens for its ornamental value.

Copernicia prunifera - formerly known as Copernicia cerifera - gets its name from the oval, 1 inch long plum-like fruit which it produces. After it passes the juvenile stage it is quite a hardy palm tree and can tolerate sub-tropical conditions.

• Common name: Carnauba Wax Palm
• Origin: Brazil
• Spaced required: narrow trunk, ornamental, maximum height = ten meters
• Prefered conditions: tropical or sub-tropical
• Seed germination: eight to ten months
• Distinguishing features: swirling old leaf bases, large crown of leaves
• Status: widely grown in Brazil for wax exports