Carnauba

Type of palm tree native to Brazil

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Carnauba
Kingdom:	Plantae
Phylum:
Class:
Order:	Arecales
Family:	Arecaceae

Carnauba (Copernicia prunifera) is a species of palm tree native to northeastern Brazil. It is also known as the "tree of life" due to its many uses and the economic importance it holds in the region.

Description

The Carnauba palm can grow up to 15 meters (49 feet) tall. It has a thick trunk and large, fan-shaped leaves that are covered with a waxy coating. This wax is harvested and used in a variety of products.

Uses

Carnauba wax, derived from the leaves of the Carnauba palm, is known for its hardness and high melting point. It is used in a wide range of applications, including:

• Automotive wax
• Food industry (as a coating for candies and pills)
• Cosmetics
• Pharmaceuticals
• Polishes

Cultivation

Carnauba palms thrive in the semi-arid regions of northeastern Brazil, particularly in the states of Ceará, Piauí, and Rio Grande do Norte. The trees are well adapted to the dry climate and poor soil conditions of the region.

Economic Importance

The Carnauba palm is a significant source of income for many families in northeastern Brazil. The wax is harvested by cutting the leaves, drying them, and then beating them to release the wax. This process is labor-intensive but provides employment for many people in the region.

Related Pages

• Palm tree
• Wax
• Brazil
• Agriculture in Brazil
• Cosmetics