Palms For California

Pronunciation: coe-purr-KNEE-see-uh pru-NIFF-err-uh

Common Name: Carnauba Wax Palm

Copernicia prunifera is thought by some to be a grey, waxier form of Copernicia alba, and indeed to two are very similar in appearance and cultivation. However, still most consider them separate species. This species is only found in Brazil while Copernicia alba is found in multiple South American countries. It is a very attractive bluish solitary fan palm with economic value (source of wax for surf boards etc.) as well as decorative. It is one of the hardiest of the Copernicia and can be grown in many areas of California that have good heat and minimal freezing events.

Synonym: Copernicia cerifera

Appearance and Biology Habit: solitary with a crown of 20-40 fan leaves Height: 20' Trunk: single; 8" thick; smooth and grey with age, but initially covered with blackish, spiny, un-split leaf bases for years, particularly on lower trunk which is sometimes never smooth Crownshaft: none Spread: 8' Leaf Description: palmate; 4' long; blades covered in a wax giving leaves a glaucous coloration; blades divided half their length; leaflets very skinny but stiff enough to barely droop at all; leaves upright to horizontal, then die (but sometimes a dense skirt of dead leaves will remain, often still held at horizontal, rather than drooping) Petiole/Leaf bases: 18" long; light green to pale bluish green with a yellow stripe up the center ventral surface; mildly channeled to nearly flat on top; heavily armed with black, crooked teeth 1/2" long and sharp; un-split leaf bases, often retained on trunk for years Reproduction: monoecious Inflorescence: Fruit:

Horticultural Characteristics Minimum Temp: 26F Drought Tolerance: good Dry Heat Tolerance: very good Wind Tolerance: good Salt Tolerance: moderate Growth Rate: slow Soil Preference: adaptable Light Requirement: full sun Human Hazards: very spiny petioles Disease or Horticultural Problems: none Transplants?: unknown Indoor?: unknown Availability: rare