Brazilian Wax Palm, Carnauba Palm, Carnauba Wax

Copernicia prunifera

Physical Characteristics

Copernicia prunifera is an evergreen Tree growing to 12 m (39ft) by 3 m (9ft) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Distribution

S. America - northeastern Brazil.

Habitats

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Oil Edible Uses: Coffee Gum Oil The pith of the trunk is rich in starch and is used to make sago[ 301 ]. An edible gum is obtained from the trunk[ 301 ]. Young inflorescences[ 301 ]. The seed is used as a coffee substitute[ 301 ]. Leaves - cooked[ 763 ]. The apical bud, often known as a 'palm heart', is eaten as a vegetable[ 763 ]. Eating this bud leads to the death of the tree because it is unable to make side shoots[ K ].

Medicinal Uses

Antiarthritic Antirheumatic Depurative Diuretic Skin The roots are depurative and diuretic. A decoction is considered a specific treatment for syphilis, and is also used in the treatment of arthritis, rheumatism, dermal afflictions and oedema[739]. A wax obtained from the leaves is used in the preparation of ointments and cataplasms[739].

Known Hazards

Plant has spines or sharp edges; use extreme caution when handling