270 likes | 511 Views
Waxes. David S. Seigler Department of Plant Biology University of Illinois Urbana, Illinois 61801 USA seigler@life.illinois.edu http://www.life.illinois.edu/seigler. Waxes - Outline. Importance Botanical o Several families Economics Chemistry Isolation. Reading. CHAPTER 9 IN THE TEXT.
E N D
David S. Seigler Department of Plant BiologyUniversity of IllinoisUrbana, Illinois 61801 USAseigler@life.illinois.eduhttp://www.life.illinois.edu/seigler
Waxes - Outline Importance Botanical o Several families Economics Chemistry Isolation
Reading • CHAPTER 9 IN THE TEXT
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.
Carnauba palms in Argentina Libro del Arbol, Celulosa Argentina, Vol. 2, 1975
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.
Candelilla collection in Coahuila, Mexico Courtesy Dr. Beryl Simpson
Supplies of candelilla and the camp Courtesy Dr. Beryl Simpson
Candelilla wax ready for shipment Courtesy Dr. Beryl Simpson
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.
Female and male flowers of jojoba Courtesy Dr. David Young
New acreage of jojoba has come into production and the price has decreased from former times.
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.