Ceroxylon ceriferum
(H. Karts.) Pittier
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Summary
Source: WikipediaCeroxylon ceriferum, also known as the Sacred wax palm, is a species of flowering plant in the family Arecaceae. It grows from northern Colombia and Venezuela.
Description
A tall single stem palm. It grows 10-25 m tall. The trunk or stem is 25-30 cm across. The crown has 8-20 fronds that are 7 m long.
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Edible Uses
The fruit is edible.
Distribution
It grows in tropical places at high altitudes. It grows up to 2,500 m above sea level.
Where It Grows
Andes, Colombia, South America, Venezuela,
Cultivation
A plant of high elevations in the tropical cloud forests. Succeeds in most fertile moist but well-drained soils in a sheltered sunny position. Requires a humus-rich soil with bright filtered light and cool high humidity. Palms usually have deep penetrating root systems and generally establish best when planted out at a young stage. However, older plants are substantially more cold tolerant than juvenile plants. In areas at the limit of their cold tolerance, therefore, it is prudent to grow the plants in containers for some years, giving them winter protection, and only planting them into their permanent positions when sheer size dictates. Palms can also often be transplanted even when very large. Although the thick fleshy roots are easily damaged and/or desiccated, new roots are generally freely produced. It is important to stake the plant very firmly to prevent rock, and also to give it plenty of water until re-established - removing many of the leaves can also help. A dioecious species, both male and female forms must be grown if seed is required.
Propagation
Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a warm greenhouse at not less than 24°c. Stored seed is very slow to germinate. Pre-soaking the seed for 24 hours in warm water prior to sowing may shorten the germination time. Plants form a long tap-root some time before forming a shoot so the seed is best sown in groups of two or three in each deep pot, thinning if necessary to the best seedling. Germination of fresh seed usually takes place in 3 - 4 months at 25°c. Grow on the plants in the greenhouse for at least their first two winters and plant out in the summer. Give the plants some protection from the cold for at least their first few winters outdoors.
Other Uses
A wax obtained from the trunk is used for making candles. The young leaves are often cut at Easter for use as decorations on Palm Sunday.
Synonyms
References (4)
- Palmpedia.net
- Ferns, Useful Tropical Plants
- Kew Plants of the World onLine
- Roa, J. A. G. & Boada, D. S. G., 2018, Fundación para el Fortalecimiento de la Fruticultura y Plantas Alimenticias no Convencionales en Colombia.
