RUBBERS AND GUMS 213 



Candellia wax is obtained from a small Mexican spurge 

 (Euphorbia antisyphilitica) . A thin coat of wax occurs upon 

 the leaves and stems of this plant. The plant is propagated by 

 cuttings. It has been found that wax is produced only in dry 

 districts. The wax is obtained by boiling the stems and skim- 

 ming the wax on the surface of the water. Candellia wax is 

 used in floor waxes, varnishes, shoe polish, phonograph rec- 

 ords, and for various other purposes. 



Carnauba wax is obtained from a large handsome Brazilian 

 palm (Copernicia cerifera). The thin layer of wax is formed 

 on the under side of the large leaves of this palm. The wax is 

 scraped off and melted or the leaves are cut into pieces, boiled, 

 and the wax skimmed from the surface of the water. Each 

 tree produces 6 or 8 immense leaves annually. It has been 

 found that on an average I pound of wax has been obtained 

 from each 100 pounds of leaves. Brazil exports 2,000 tons of 

 Carnauba wax annually. The wax is used chiefly in fine can- 

 dles, high-grade shoe polish, and phonograph records. 



