Copernica Cerifera

The Carnuba, or wax palm of Brazil. It grows

about 40 feet high, and has a trunk 6 or 8 inches thick, composed

of very hard wood, which is commonly employed in Brazil for

building and other purposes. The upper part of the young stem is

soft, and yields a kind of sago, and the bitter fruits are eaten

by the Indians. The young leaves are coated with wax, called

Carnaub wax, which is detached by shaking them, and then melted

and run into cakes; it is harder than beeswax, and has been used

for making candles. The leaves are used for thatch, and, when

young, are eaten by cattle.