Copaifera coriacea

Copaifera coriacea belongs to the legume family, Fabaceae. It keeps its leaves all year. It comes from northern and northeastern Brazil. PFAF calls it the Sapucaia tree. Kew lists it as a shrub or tree. Other accounts call it a tall tree from rainforest riverbanks. Kew places it in a tropical biome with dry seasons. These records differ in how they describe its wild home.

The tree grows at a slow rate. It reaches about 66 feet [20 metres] in height. PFAF gives about the same size for its full spread. Useful Tropical Plants says some trees grow taller. Its leaves give cover all year. The accounts do not describe leaf shape or bark texture. They give no details of flowers, fruit, or bloom dates. The trunk yields an oily resin called copaiba-balsam. This resin has many of the tree’s known uses.

PFAF lists full sun and light shade as suitable. The tree accepts sand, loam, and clay that drain well. Its soil range runs from mildly acid to mildly alkaline. It likes moist ground but can cope with drought. PFAF gives USDA hardiness zones 10–12. It also notes nitrogen fixation and growth from seed. Useful Tropical Plants lists it as a wild plant. It gives no details on how to grow it. These records give little basis to judge garden growth. Allowing space matters, given the large spread that PFAF lists.

People use small amounts of resin to flavour food and drinks. Both plant databases report United States approval for this use. This does not mean other parts are safe to eat. People also use the resin in varnishes, lacquers, and perfume. Uses include making photographic paper and stripping old varnish from paintings. PFAF reports its use in place of diesel fuel. These accounts focus on its resin, not its garden looks.

South American medicine has long used the resin. Past uses include chest complaints, problems with passing urine, and skin wounds. The sources also note uses of the bark in medicine. They report that compounds in the resin can reduce inflammation. They also report effects that fight fungi and ease pain. These records give no dose for use at home. Both databases list no known hazards. This does not prove it is safe for people or pets. The evidence names no pests or diseases.