James H. Schutte
Family
Arecaceae
Botanical Name
COPERNICIA prunifera
Plant Common Name
Brazilian Wax Palm, Carnuba Wax Palm
General Description
Valued as the source of carnauba wax, the bold, fan-shaped fronds of this medium-sized palm make a colorful splash in the tropical or subtropical garden. Wax palm is native to seasonally flooded savannas in northeastern Brazil.
About 30 large, blue-green fronds with waxy silver-gray undersides are borne atop the solitary trunk on long, upright or drooping stems ("petioles"), forming a spherical crown. The fronds are divided into numerous stiff blade-like segments that radiate like the spokes of an umbrella. The petioles are edged with hooked tooth-like spines. Plants are initially stemless, developing a trunk after a decade or more. The trunk bristles with the protruding, wedge-shaped petiole bases of fallen leaves, in the manner of a pineapple fruit. Mature trees lose their oldest "boots", revealing the gray, scar-ringed lower trunk. In spring or summer, branched inflorescences of small creamy flowers arch amid the leaves. The flowers are perfect, containing both mail and female parts. Small spherical fruits follow the flowers, ripening black in late summer or fall. Birds and bats eat the fruits.
This slow-growing palm does best in full sun and well-drained, humus-rich soil. It accepts drought, but grows most vigorously if watered occasionally in summer. It is intolerant of frost. Use this striking palm as an individual specimen, in formal groupings, or to line streets.
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Loam, Sand
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Tolerances
Drought, Salt
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Growth Rate
Very Slow
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Water Requirements
Drought Tolerant, Average Water
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Habit
Upright/Erect
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Insignificant
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Flower Color
Brown, Ivory
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Fruit Color
Black
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green, Blue Green, Gray
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green, Blue Green, Gray
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Green, Blue Green, Gray
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Green, Blue Green, Gray
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Bark Color
Gray
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Bold
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Bark Texture
Smooth
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Usage
Feature Plant, Foundation, Mixed Border, Street Trees, Tropical
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Sharp or Has Thorns
Yes
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Invasive
No
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Attracts
Birds
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Self-Sowing
No
