PlantFiles: Carnuba Wax Palm, Brazilian Wax Palm
Copernicia prunifera

C.Prunifera (also called Cerifera in some places)originates from NE Brazil and is named Carnauba wax palm after native people and region of brazil where it grows naturally.The trunk is quite massive, not swollen as C.Baileyana .Leaves are 1.5 - 2 m in diameter , split half their way into a soft and needle like tips.The flowers are grouped into branched and clustered inflorescences ( a bit like Thrinax radiata ) which is as long as the huge leaves. The colour of the flowers are white- yellowish . The crownshaft is as beautiful andlooks like Brahea Armata .C.CeriferaI is the mostly used among the Copernicias for wax, in many sectors; varies from cosmetic in lipstick , floor polish to even car polish. Quite an attractive palm and probably an easy to grow in the tropics.

This is very closely related to Copernicia alba, another good Coperncia for So Cal. This one is a bit more glaucous (waxy leaves), but is otherwise about indistiguishable. It does seem to grow slower, though. Some palm experts even consider them the same species. This palm grows a LOT faster in warmer climates like Florida, than in So Cal. Makes a nice contrast in the garden. Very sharp teeth on the petioles, so careful when pruning.