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copernicia
Scientific Name: Copernicia alba
Family: Arecaceae
Category: Monocot
Growth:
Duration:
Other Names:
Copernicia: A Genus of Tropical Palms
The genus Copernicia encompasses a group of palms native to South America and the Greater Antilles. This genus, belonging to the family Arecaceae, showcases considerable diversity, particularly in Cuba.
Considerations for Pets
- Some species, like Copernicia hospita, are known as "Guano Espinoso," which translates to "thorny guano," suggesting the presence of spines or thorns.
- The text mentions persistent leaf bases on the stems of some species, which could present a potential hazard if chewed or ingested by pets.
Considerations for Children
- The text mentions persistent leaf bases on the stems of some species, which could present a potential hazard if handled.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Copernicia C. Martius ex Endl.
- Family: Arecaceae
- Major Group: Angiosperms (Flowering plants)
- Synonyms:
- For Copernicia cerifera:
- Arrudaria cerifera (Arruda) Macedo
- Corypha cerifera Arruda
- Palma prunifera Mill.
- For Copernicia cerifera:
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to South America and the Greater Antilles.
- Copernicia alba grows naturally in open areas of South America, including northern Beni Department in Bolivia, central west Bolivia, Paraguay, Argentina and Brazil.
- Copernicia gigas is endemic to eastern Cuba.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Generally slow-growing tropical fan palms.
- Stems are solitary and erect, reaching up to 30 meters in height, but are typically shorter in cultivation. Stem diameters can reach up to 20 cm.
- Younger individuals have stems covered with old leaf bases.
- Copernicia fallaensis has the largest dimensions within the genus, with trunks reaching 20 meters tall and 0.8 meters in diameter. Its petiole is robust, up to 174 cm long.
- Some species, like Copernicia macroglossa, have very large hastulae.
- Copernicia alba has an erect, solitary stem with a diameter of 18-22 cm and can reach 25-30 m in the oldest specimens.
Ecological Role and Interactions
- Lima et al. (2008) studied the role of the Carnauba Palm in the ecology of the reduviid bug Rhodnius nasutus, which is a vector for transmitting diseases.
- Risk presented by Copernicia prunifera palm trees in the Rhodnius nasutus distribution in a Chagas disease-endemic area of the Brazilian northeast.
Common Names and Specific Species
- Copernicia prunifera: Carnauba palm, carnaubeira palm, Brazilian Tree of Life
- Copernicia alba: Caranday
- Copernicia hospita: Cuban Wax Palm, Guano Palm, Cano Palm, Guano Espinoso
- Copernicia baileyana: Bailey Yarey Palm, Yarey Palm
- Copernicia fallaensis: Giant Yarey Palm
Quirky Facts
- Copernicia tectorum has the fastest leaf production rate recorded for any palm (19-23 leaves/year in subadults and adults) but also a short lifespan of around 46 years.
- The Carnauba palm is known by many as the "tree of life".
Economic Importance
- The carnauba wax palm, Copernicia prunifera, is considered economically important.
- Carnauba wax, derived from the leaves of Copernicia cerifera, is used in various products, including cosmetics.
- In 1979, the harvest from the carnauba wax palm contributed significantly to the value of native palm genera.
Further Information
- IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Provides assessments for Copernicia gigas and Copernicia baileyana.
- ARKive: Offers photos and facts about Copernicia.
- Florida International University, Department of Biological Sciences: Scott Zona is an expert curator.