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wax palm

Scientific Name: Ceroxylon alpinum

Family: Arecaceae

Category: Monocot

Growth:

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Wax Palm

Wax palm is a common name that can refer to several species of palms known for producing wax. These palms are often admired for their impressive size and unique characteristics.

Considerations for Pets

  • Some wax palms, such as Ceroxylon alpinum (or C. andicola), have stems and leaves that yield a resinous wax.

Scientific Name and Taxonomy

  • Several species are referred to as "wax palm," including plants from the genus Ceroxylon. Specifically, Ceroxylon quindiuense, Copernicia alba, and Copernicia prunifera are identified as wax palms.
  • Ceroxylon alpinum is listed with the synonym C. andicola.
  • The Lipstick or Sealing Wax Palm is scientifically known as Cyrtostachys renda, with Cyrtostachys lakka listed as a related name.
  • Cyrtostachys species are part of the family Arecaceae / Palmae.

Distribution and Habitat

  • Wax palms, particularly Ceroxylon quindiuense, are found in the high-altitude valleys of the Andes Mountains, especially in Colombia. The Cocora Valley near Salento in central Colombia is famed for its wax palms.
  • Copernicia prunifera is found in the northeastern Brazilian savannas.
  • Cyrtostachys renda originates from Malaysia, Indonesia, and Borneo.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Wax palms are among the tallest palms in the world, with some species reaching heights of 45 m (148 ft) or even up to 60 m (200 ft).
  • Ceroxylon alpinum is an evergreen tree that can grow to 20 m (65ft) tall and 4 m (13ft) wide at a slow rate.
  • Sealing Wax Palms or Lipstick Palms (Cyrtostachys renda) reach 16 m in height and form dense clusters.
  • The "red sealing wax palm" gets its name from the bright red color of its crownshaft, resembling the wax used to seal documents.

Quirky Facts

  • In Brazil, the carnauba palm (Copernicia prunifera) is called the "tree of life" because of its many useful products.
  • The Quindio wax palm (Ceroxylon quindiuense) is the national tree and symbol of Colombia.
  • The red sealing wax palm (Cyrtostachys renda) is noted as being able to tolerate very wet areas.