SafePlants

Ceroxylon quindiuense: The Quindio Wax Palm

Ceroxylon quindiuense, commonly known as the Quindio Wax Palm, Andean Wax Palm, or Palma de cera del quindio, is a striking palm species native to the Andes mountains of Colombia and northern Peru. It is also Colombia's national tree.

Considerations for Pets

• The plant has a smooth, wax-covered trunk.
• The text mentions traditional uses involving cutting palm fronds.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Ceroxylon quindiuense
• Common Names: Quindio Wax Palm, Andean Wax Palm, Palma de cera del quindio
• Family: Arecaceae (Palm family)
• Genus: Ceroxylon

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to the humid montane forests of the Andes in Colombia and northern Peru.
• Found in mountainous regions between 2000 and 3000 meters above sea level (over 3,200 feet).
• Other Ceroxylon species are found throughout the tropical Andes, from Venezuela to Bolivia.

Morphological Characteristics

• Tall feather palm with a white, wax-covered trunk.
• The trunk can reach up to 60 meters (approximately 200 feet) in height, making it the world's tallest palm.
• Develops single, smooth, wax-covered, often whitish cylindrical trunks.
• The trunk is encircled by ringed leaf base scars.
• It is a solitary stemmed palm.

Ecological Role

• The genus Ceroxylon is a characteristic element of the Andean mountains.

Additional Ceroxylon Information

• The genus Ceroxylon includes about 20 species of feather palms.
• Ceroxylon species are dioecious.
• A revision of the genus Ceroxylon recognizes twelve species, based on a study of 228 specimens from 19 herbaria.