THE CARNAUBA.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 12670, 18 June 1919, Page 4

THE CARNAUBA.

A WONDERFUL TREE. It is a question whether there is a more wonderful or more useful tree to man than the carnauba (Or carnahuba) tree of Brazil. This tree abounds in the states of Maranham, Piauhy, Ceara. Rio Grande do Norte, Parahyha, an<i Pernambuco. It is one of the most stately of the ‘ palm tribe, with large fan-shaped leaves. Every part of this tree has some useful or economic value. Its roots have a depurative virtue, while the heart of the young leaves makes a good_ substitute for cabbage. Its trunk, which is of considerable girth, .is employed in the construction of cabins or huts, for which the leaves furnish the roof-coverings. From the pith of the carnauba is extracted. a mitritiYe sediment, which, by fermentation, gives a very agreeable drink. Its fruit serves as a food for man and beast; another portion of the plant yields a kind of sago; whilst the seeds are not only oleaginous, but are roasted as a substitute for coffee. The principal value of the carnauba tree, however, resides in its leaves. In addition to their use as roof-coverings, very good fibres are extracted from them which are turned to account in many ways. Mats and hats are made from them, as well ns the hammocks in general use in tho north of Brazil. The leaves, when young, have on their lower surface a layer of powdery matter, which is the well-known carnauba wax. When the leaves are old and dry this layer of wax is dispersed with the slighest wind. To collect the wax, the leaves must he cut when young, dried in the shade, and then beaten. This wax closely resembles beeswax, and can be used for the same purposes. In the north of Brazil it is largely employed in the manufacture of candles. Carnauba wax has formed an important item in the list of exports from Brazil for some years, for it is much used in connection with the preparation of gramophone cylinders. After the outbreak of hostilities- the demand for it steadily grew for a more war-like purpose, and a considerable increase was noticeable in tho quantity exported.