Carnauba wax palm
Family Palmae (or Arecaceae)
Copernicia cerifera, the carnauba wax palm (C. cerifera 1) (C. cerifera 2), is a fan palm, 10-12 m tall, growing wild in large numbers in the drier regions of north-eastern Brazil. Leaves are palmate, about 1 m in diameter. The inflorescences are axillary, with bisexual flowers.
Use
The carnauba wax palm produces the most important of the vegetable waxes, which cover the leaves. The young leaves from wild trees are obtained and dried in the sun. After drying the wax is shaken off and melted down. The wax is hard with a high melting point. It is used in the manufacture of polishes, paints, varnishes, candles, ointments, lipstick and other products.