Caranday Palm (Copernicia alba)

Family: Arecaceae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Copernica alba or commonly known as Candaray Palm or Wax Palm is an evergreen palm tree in Southern and Western South America that grows up to 25 m in height and 40 cm in girth. It has a cylindrical trunk with greyish, smooth bark. The plant is known for the high quality wax obtained from its leaves. The wax is used to make polishes. The leaves are also used as thatch material and for weaving mats, baskets, and hats.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer

Flavor & Culinary Uses

The fruit are eaten fresh or used for juice and for alcoholic drinks. The tips of young plants can be eaten. — The fruit are eaten fresh or used for juice and for alcoholic drinks.; The tips of young plants can be eaten.

Habitat & North American Range

Open forest and Pampas. Low-lying, seasonally-inundated savannahs, in areas where flooding is followed by the soil drying out completely. (Zone 10)