The Caranday palm is a rare palm not well studied or cultivated. It’s characterized by bulbous foliage composed of wide spreading palm leaves. The Caranday Wax palm thrives within USDA hardiness zones 9 to 11.
Common Names:
Caranday Palm, Copernicia alba, Wax Palm, Caranday Wax Palm
Scientific Name:
Copernicia alba
Origin:
These palms trace their origins back to the South American regions of Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina.
Appearance:
The Caranday is a unique looking palm with a slender brown trunk and fan like leaves. The leaves expand in all directions creating a canopy of fan leaves.
Growth Rate:
Slow to moderate. This palm can grow by around 1 foot per year.
Maximum Growth Height:
The Caranday Palm can grow up to 60-80 feet tall.
Foliage Spread:
6 to 12 feet foliage spread.
Cold Hardiness and Hardy Zones:
The Caranday Wax palm is a relatively cold hardy palm tree able to withstand temperatures down to 20 degrees Fahrenheit (-6 C). The Caranday wax palm can be grown in USDA hardiness zones 9-11.
Soil Preferences:
Well-draining soil. Caranday Palms flourish in various soil types with adequate drainage.
Fruits and Blooms:
The Caranday wax palm produces small creamy-white flowers that grow near the base of its leaves. These can produce small yellow fruits that ripen into a black color when ready to eat. Caranday wax palm fruit is characterized by an initial sweetness followed by a bitter aftertaste.
Suitable for Indoor Growth:
Not particularly suitable for indoor growth as it does like to grow to tall heights later in maturity.
Light Prerequisites:
Thrives in partial shade to full sun for optimal development.
Watering Needs:
Low to moderate watering. The Caranday Palm benefits from consistent watering during propagation, but once established this palm is quite drought tolerant.
Maintenance Level:
Low maintenance. These palms benefit from regular watering and occasional fertilization.
Common Issues with Caranday Palms
Frequent Diseases/Pests:
Generally resilient, Caranday Palms may encounter spider mites or mealybugs like other palm varieties.
Solution:
Apply sprayable pesticidal horticulture oil.
Plant Care:
Maintain a consistent watering routine and apply high quality palm-specific fertilizer 2-3 times annually during the growing season for optimal growth.
Caranday Palm FAQs
1. Do Caranday wax palms produce edible fruit?
The fruits are not known to be edible for humans and are not commonly consumed.
2. Are Caranday Wax palms drought resistant?
Yes, these palms are quite drought resistant once matured.
3. Is this an easily acquired variety of palm?
No, the Caranday Palm is not commonly sold and will be hard to find seeds or young plants unless you live in the native area of South America.
The Caranday Wax palm, though a rare variety, is a beautiful tropical addition to anyone’s landscape. If you can manage to find a seller in your area maybe you can be the owner of one of these remarkable palm trees.