Ceroxylon quindiuense

View of Cocora valley (Colombia) with Ceroxylon quindiuense palms.

This palm species can grow to a height of 45 m (148 ft)—or rarely, even as high as 60 m (200 ft).[3] It is the tallest recorded monocot in the world.[4] The trunk is cylindrical, smooth, light colored, covered with wax; leaf scars forming dark rings around the trunk.[3] The leaves are dark green and grayish, 185–540 cm long, with a petiole up to 80 cm long.[3] Fruits are globose and orange-red when ripe, 1.6–2 cm in diameter.[3]

Ceroxylon quindiuense was described by Gustav Karl Wilhelm Hermann Karsten and published in Bonplandia (Hannover) 8: 70. (1860).

Etymology:

Ceroxylon: generic name composed of the Greek words: kèròs = "wax" and xγlon = "wood", in reference to the thick white wax found the trunks.[5]

quindiuense: geographical epithet alluding to its location in Quindío.

Synonymy:

• Klopstockia quindiuensis H.Karst., 18596[6]
• Ceroxylon floccosum Burret, 192978[6]

It grows in large and dense populations along the central and eastern Andes of Colombia (rarely in the western Colombian Andes), with a disjunct distribution in the Andes of northern Peru.[3] The elevational range of this species is between 2,000 and 3,100 m (6,600 and 10,200 ft) above sea level.[3] It achieves a minimum reproductive age at 80 years.[7] Wax palms provide habitats for many unique life forms, including endangered species such as the yellow-eared parrot (Ognorhynchus icterotis).

Palma de cera, palma de ramo (both names in Colombia).[3]

Populations of Ceroxylon quindiuense are threatened by habitat disturbance, overharvesting and diseases.[7] The fruit was used as feed for cattle and pigs. The leaves were extensively used in the Catholic celebrations of Palm Sunday;[8] such leaves coming from young individuals which were damaged to death.[7] That activity has been reduced severely in recent years due to law enforcement and widespread campaign.[3] Felling of Ceroxylon quindiuense palms to obtain wax from the trunk also is an activity still going on in Colombia and Peru.[3] The palm is recognized as the national tree of Colombia, and since the implementation of Law 61 of 1985, it is legally a protected species in that country.[7][9]

The wax of the trunk was used to make candles, especially in the 19th century.[3] The outer part of the stem of the palm has been used locally for building houses, and was used to build water supply systems for poor farmers.[3][7] It is cultivated as an ornamental plant in Colombia and California.[3][7]