carnauba palm

plant

Also known as: Copernicia prunifera, carnauba tree, carnauba wax palm, tree of life(Show More)

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June 22, 2026

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carnauba wax Carnauba palm (*Copernicia prunifera*).

The carnauba palm (Copernicia prunifera) is a fan palm native to Brazil, often called the "tree of life" due to its many useful products. This palm tree, which can grow over 14 meters tall, protects its fronds from moisture loss by secreting a coat of carnauba wax.12

This wax is harvested by cutting the leaves, drying them, and then beating them to remove the powdery wax. It is then melted, strained, and cooled. Carnauba wax is known for its hardness and high melting point, around 85°C (185°F). It is used in various products, including vegan food-grade polishes, cosmetics like lipsticks, and as a hardening agent in furniture, leather, car, and shoe polishes. It also serves as a polish for candies and medicinal pills and as a thickener for solvents and oils.1

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carnauba wax
The carnauba palm is a fan palm of the northeastern Brazilian savannas, where it is called the “tree of life” for its many useful products. After 50 years, the tree can attain a height of over 14 metres (45 feet). It has a dense, large crown…
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The carnauba palm is a fan palm of the northeastern Brazilian savannas, where it is called the “tree of life” for its many useful products. After 50 years, the tree can attain a height of over 14 metres (45 feet). It has a dense, large crown…
Read More

South America
Specialized cash crops
…on the leaves of the carnauba palm of Brazil. Vegetable ivory is taken from the hard seeds of the tagua palm, found in much of northern South America but particularly in lowland Ecuador.
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…on the leaves of the carnauba palm of Brazil. Vegetable ivory is taken from the hard seeds of the tagua palm, found in much of northern South America but particularly in lowland Ecuador.
Read More