Inventory 39, Seeds and Plants Inriported. PLATE IV. 



The Carnauba Palm (Copernicia cerifera Martius), S. P. I. No. 37866. 



An interesting and valuable Brazilian fan palm found in abundance in the valley of the Rio Sao 

 Francisco, both scattered and in comparatively large groves. The trees attain a diameter of 12 

 inches or more and a height of 20 to 30 feet. The trunks are used for fence posts and in houso 

 construction. The nuts are highly prized for hog feed. Candles made from the wax exuding 

 from the leaves, which is much harder than tallow or paraffin, are dark yellowish brown in color 

 and burn with a clear, yellow, fairly brilliant flame. The wax industry, which was formerly 

 prosperous in this region, is not now very remunerative, owing primarily, it is said, to the fact 

 that extensive landowners have prohibited the cutting of the leaves. (Photographed at Sento 

 Se, Brazil, by Messrs. Dorsett and Popenoe, February 20, 1914; P14910FS.) 



