David S. Seigler Department of Plant Biology
University of IllinoisUrbana, Illinois 61801 USA
[email protected]://www.life.illinois.edu/seigler
Introduction
• Waxes are usually found on the outside of plants.
• They play a minor role in the economy.
• Some synthetic substances are available, but they are not as good quality as the plant-derived waxes.
Carnauba wax
• Among all waxes, carnauba wax, mostly imported from Brazil, is the most important.
• The wax occurs on the surface of the leaves of Copernicia cerifera (Arecaceae).
• The wax is obtained by collecting the new or immature leaves of the palm and allowing them to dry. The wax can then be removed by beating.
• Used primarily in car polishes and shoe polish.
Candelilla wax
• Candelilla wax often substituted for carnauba wax. From Euphorbia antisyphyllitica (Euphorbiaceae), a plant native to the Chihuahuan desert in Mexico and southern Texas.
• The plant is wild harvested and in some danger of being extincted by collectors.
• It is illegal to wild harvest candellila in Texas.
Jojoba, Simmondia chinensis, Simmondsiaceae
• Jojoba wax comes from the seed of Simmondsia chinensis, Simmondsiaceae, of the southwestern U.S. and Mexico.
• The seeds contain a liquid wax that has many desirable properties.
• Jojoba can be cultivated on lands that are unsuitable for cultivation of most other crops.
• The wax has been used as a lubricant and is extremely good for this purpose.
• Jojoba oil is widely used in cosmetics.
Sugar cane wax
• Sugar cane wax is a by-product of the sugar industry.
• This wax is not as good as carnauba wax, but is available and used for many of the same purposes.
Bayberry wax (Myrica pennsylvanica,
Myricaceae)
• Bayberry is from low wet areas in the eastern U.S.
• In New England the fruits were collected and the wax melted off to make candles.
• Bayberry candles are still used because of the nice odor they produce.
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