The Copernicia prunifera prefers a tropical climate and is typically found in areas with varying altitudes, ranging from tropical dry forests to savannas. It thrives in environments such as floodplains and is able to tolerate a wide range of altitudes within these regions.
Carnauba palm
Copernicia prunifera, also known as Copernicia cerifera or carnauba wax, is a hermaphrodite fan palm native to South America. It grows in tropical dry forests and savannas, particularly in floodplains. This plant is valued for its wax, which is extracted from its leaves and exported, as well as for its durable wood and leaves used for weaving.
Copernicia prunifera, syn. Copernicia cerifera
Brazil
The Copernicia prunifera, also known as Copernicia cerifera or carnauba wax, is a plant primarily found in South America. It thrives in tropical dry forests, especially in floodplains where it can transition into savannas. This plant is known for its valuable wax, which is extracted from its leaves at a rate of approximately 100 grams per tree per year. Additionally, the leaves of this plant are used for weaving, while the trunks are highly prized for their hard and durable wood. The cultivation of this plant is slowly being developed through plantation efforts, with the wax being exported and woven goods being produced. The Copernicia prunifera is a hermaphrodite plant that produces local products and is characterized by its solitary fan palm growth pattern. It is worth noting that this plant is currently unimproved, meaning it has not undergone significant selective breeding or genetic modification.
- Well-drained soil - Sandy soil - Loamy soil - Clay soil - Acidic soil - Alkaline soil - Moist soil
S. America: tropical dry forest into savanna, esp. floodplains. Wax from leaves (100 g/tree/yr); leaves for weaving; trunks for wood, (very hard and durable). Incipient plantation cultivation; wax exported; woven goods. Hermaphrodite; local products; solitary fan palm. Unimproved.