Copernicia prunifera (Carnauba Palm, Carnaubeira Palm)
Botanical Information
| Family | Arecaceae |
| Genus | Copernicia |
| Species | prunifera |
| Category | Tropicals |
| Type | Tree (evergreen) |
| Origin | Native to Brazil. |
| Ethnobotanical Uses Disclaimer | Carnauba wax is a natural coating that is harvested from the leaves. its fruit can be used as feed to cattle, donkeys, goats and pigs or used to produce jellies for human consumption. The pulp is extracted and dried to produce flour which is largely consumed by natives. Cooking oil is extracted from the seeds which are edible. If the fruit is roasted it can be ground and brewed to replace coffee. |
Details
| USDA Hardiness Ref. | |
| Canadian Hardiness Zone | Cool season protection required under glass. |
| Canada Hardiness Ref. | |
| RHS Hardiness Ref. | |
| Height | 20 m |
| Growth | Medium |
Description and Growing Information
| Shape | Upright, tall and spreading. |
| Landscape | Shade and ornamental use. |
| Propagation | Seed. |
| Cultivation | Full sun in well-drained and moist soils but drought tolerant. |
| Pests | Reduviid bugs. |
| Notable Specimens | Royal Park Rajapruek, Mae Hia, Thailand. |
| Bark/Stem Description | The trunk is 25 cm wide. |
| Leaf Description | Fan-like leaves that are 1.5 m long. |
| Fruit Description | Small and round fruit that is 2.5 cm wide. |
| Colour Description | The leaves are green, fruit is black while the bark is a greyish-brown. |
Photographs
Copernicia prunifera, form. Royal Park Rajapruek, Mae Hia, Thailand
Copernicia prunifera, bark. Royal Park Rajapruek, Mae Hia, Thailand
Copernicia prunifera, leaf. Royal Park Rajapruek, Mae Hia, Thailand