Copaifera langsdorffii aka Copaiba

Copaifera langsdorffii, known as copaiba, belongs to the pea family, Fabaceae. Its native range runs from Guyana to Argentina's Misiones region. It also grows in Brazil, Bolivia, and Paraguay. It occurs in rainforest and where forest meets savannah. Its habitats include forests along rivers and streams. These sites often have soils that drain without flooding. Kew places it in the seasonally dry tropics.

This tree forms a dense crown with a rounded outline. Its usual height is 20–59 feet [6–18 metres]. Some trees reach 115 feet [35 metres]. Garden references give a spread of 59 feet [18 metres]. The trunk can reach 1.6–2.6 feet [0.5–0.8 metres] across. It keeps its leaves through most of the year. Long dry spells can make it shed some leaves. Growth is slow, including during the seedling stage. Two-year-old plants often stand below 6.6 feet [2 metres]. Bees pollinate its flowers, and its fruit forms seedpods.

Copaiba needs a warm climate and high humidity. PFAF lists USDA zones 10–12 for outdoor growing. Its cultivation notes suggest minimum temperatures near 55°F [13°C]. It prefers moist soil with good drainage. Sandy soil suits it, though it also accepts loam and clay. It tolerates soils ranging from acid to slightly alkaline. Established trees cope with drought and some waterlogging. Sources differ on light, describing both sun and shade. Fresh seed can sprout within 20–40 days in partial shade. Firm softwood cuttings offer another way to raise plants.

The broad crown gives the tree a strong landscape presence. It can also fix nitrogen. Its main useful product is an oily resin called copaiba balsam. Workers obtain this resin by boring into the trunk. It has a long history in South American traditional medicine. Reported uses include chest, urinary, skin, and digestive complaints. Such uses do not establish safety for home treatment. Perfume makers use the resin to help scents last. It also goes into cosmetics, varnishes, and lacquers. Trials in Brazil have explored its use as diesel fuel.

Small amounts of resin serve as flavouring in foods and drinks. This limited food use does not make large amounts safe. Excess resin can cause diarrhoea, skin rashes, and kidney damage. It can also irritate mucous membranes and cause tingling. Useful Tropical Plants reports a 2013 IUCN assessment of Least Concern. That account links its status to its wide native range.