Copernicia alba (Caranday Palm)

Copernicia alba (Caranday Palm) is a tall and showy evergreen palm with a thin trunk topped with a dense crown of 50 gracefully arching, fan-shaped fronds that can reach 5 ft. in length (150 cm). The upper leaf surface is gray-green and the under-surface is silver. Each waxy leaf is divided into about 30 stiff leaflets. Caranday Palm yields high-quality wax which is used for industrial purposes. Blanching in the sun, the gray, slender trunk tends to be smooth on mature trees but is covered with persistent leaf bases when young. Pale creamy flowers are produced in attractive branched inflorescences that emerge from the crown. They are followed by clusters of black fruits. A moderate grower, Caranday Palm tolerates periods of drought or wet soil conditions. This species is the cold hardiest of the genus Copernicia, coming to withstand temperatures down to 25°F (-4°C), with no damage. Perfect for Mediterranean, tropical, and subtropical areas, it makes a beautiful focal point but looks best when planted in groups.

• Grows with an upright habit up to 35-40 ft. tall (10-12 m) and 10-12 ft. wide (3-4 m).
• Easily grown in well-drained soils in full sun. Although it is very drought tolerant once established, it thrives with regular moisture.
• No serious disease or pest issues. May require regular fertilization to prevent potassium deficiencies.
• Needs no regular pruning. Pruning is basically limited to the removal of completely dead fronds.
• Propagate from fresh seed which germinates readily in 2-4 months.
• Native to Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, and Paraguay.