Copaifera officinalis aka Copaiba

Copaifera officinalis is a tree from the tropics. It belongs to the pea family, Fabaceae. Common names include copaiba balsam and West Indian purple heart tree. Kew gives its native range as Venezuela to northeastern Brazil and eastern Bolivia. Other sources include Guyana in its range too. It grows wild in northern South America. People also grow it there and plant it for commercial harvest in Cuba.

This evergreen tree grows at a slow pace, with many branches. Garden sources give its height as 72 feet [22 metres]. They give the same size for its spread. Broader accounts give heights of 49–98 feet [15–30 metres]. Some trees may grow past 98 feet [30 metres]. Trees in open ground have short trunks and broad crowns. In rainforests, they grow in the canopy, the upper tree layer. The large crown needs space as the tree matures.

Kew links the tree to tropical regions with dry seasons. Sources on growing it stress warm conditions and humid air. They advise lows near or above 55°F [13°C]. Plants For A Future lists USDA zones 10–12. The tree prefers shade and sandy soil that drains well. It grows in loam too. It accepts soil from mildly acid to mildly alkaline. The same source says it tolerates dry or moist soil. It grows in deep shade or part shade. Growers can raise new trees from seed. Plants For A Future also says it fixes nitrogen.

The trunk holds an oily resin called copaiba balsam. It gathers in spaces in the wood. Harvesters tap the trunk or drill holes to collect it. Sources give yearly yields of about 40 litres per tree. Harvesters need not fell the tree to get the resin. People use it to flavour foods and drinks. They also use it in perfumes, soaps, and creams. Other uses include varnishes and lacquers. Sources describe its use in place of diesel. Trials in Brazil explored growing trees for this fuel.

Indigenous peoples used the resin long before Europeans arrived. Past uses include care for skin, urinary, and breathing problems. Sources also report its use to ease pain. These accounts record uses but do not prove health benefits. Both plant databases report no known hazards. This does not prove that every use or dose is safe.