SafePlants

Carnauba Palm (Copernicia prunifera)

The Carnauba Palm, scientifically known as Copernicia prunifera, is also commonly referred to as the carnaba palm, carnaubeira palm, wax palm, Brazil wax palm, Brazilian Tree of Life, caranda palm, or caranday palm. It is highly valued for the carnauba wax harvested from its leaves.

Considerations for Pets

• The plant produces wax on its leaves.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Copernicia prunifera (Mill.) H.E. Moore
• Synonym: Copernicia cerifera
• Family: Arecaceae (Palmae), also known as the Palm Family.

Distribution and Habitat

• The Carnauba Palm is native to semi-arid areas of northeastern Brazil.
• It is often found in plantations specifically cultivated for wax production.

Morphological Characteristics and Uses

• The Carnauba Palm is a fan palm.
• It is known as the "tree of life" due to its many useful products.
• The leaves are harvested for carnauba wax, a hard vegetable wax with a high melting point used in various industries, including pharmaceuticals (tablet coatings), cosmetics, and car wax.
• Leaf fibers and wood are also utilized.
• The root has been described as edible.

Ecological Role

• The Carnauba Palm plays a role in the ecology of the reduviid bug Rhodnius nasutus, a vector for transmitting diseases.

Quirky Facts

• The Carnauba Palm is sometimes called the "Tree of Life" in Brazil due to its numerous useful products.