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The genus Ceroxylon refers to a small group of tall South American palms. These palms are also known as wax palms. One species, Ceroxylon alpinum, yields a resinous wax used in candle making. While most palms inhabit tropical forests, some Ceroxylon species can be found at high altitudes in the Andes mountains, reaching up to 3,000 meters. The name Ceroxylon comes from Greek words meaning "wax" and "wood".123

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