The WALA Plant Library
Carnauba

Synonyms for Carnauba: wax palm, carnauba palm, Brazilian Tree of Life, caranda palm, caranday palm
Scientific Name: Copernicia prunifera (Mill.) H.E. Moore
Family: Arecaceae (palm family)

Description:

The carnauba is a fan palm native to Brazil with a straight, cylindrical trunk that can grow up to 15 metres high. A crown of fan-shaped fronds which may reach two metres in length radiates from the tip of its trunk. Gradually the lower leaves wither and drop, leaving behind a spiral of scars on the trunk. The young leaves in particular are covered on their upper and lower surfaces with numerous wax flakes. The leaf secretes these flakes to protect itself against dehydration. Carnauba flowers produce elongated yellowish berries each containing oneseed.