Hymenaea courbaril aka Brazilian Copal

Hymenaea courbaril is a large tree in the pea family, Fabaceae. Its native range runs from Mexico through tropical America. This includes Central America, the Caribbean, and much of South America. Common names include West Indian locust, courbaril, and Brazilian copal. It grows in dry forests and moist tropical forests. It also occurs in wet forests and subtropical woodland. The cited 2011 IUCN assessment lists it as Least Concern.

This slow-growing tree reaches about 98 feet [30 metres]. Some trees reach 148 feet [45 metres]. Large branches spread to form a broad, umbrella-like crown. The straight trunk can stay branch-free for 39–79 feet [12–24 metres]. Its usual diameter is 2–4 feet [0.6–1.2 metres]. Most trees keep their leaves through the year. Drought can cause them to shed their foliage. Bats pollinate the flowers, and the tree is not self-fertile.

It grows well in warm tropical and subtropical lowlands. Young plants tolerate some shade, but mature trees need full sun. It accepts soils ranging from sand to clay. Deep, fertile, moist sandy soil with good drainage gives better growth. It also tolerates poor soil and periods of waterlogging. Established trees can withstand four months or more of drought. The reported preferred mean annual temperature is 20–30°C. Rain may fall year-round or follow a wet season.

People grow this tree for food, timber, resin, and shade. Tropical parks also use it as an ornamental tree. Its heavy pods limit its use beside streets and paths. Ripening pods smell unpleasant, and falling pods can hurt people or damage property. The dry, pale pulp around the seeds is edible. People eat it raw or use it in cooked foods. It also goes into custards, ice cream, and fermented drinks. Its sweet taste contrasts with its strong smell and floury texture.

The trunk and roots yield a resin sold as copal. People use it in varnish, incense, and adhesives. Older resin buried near the roots has greater commercial value. Local medicine uses the bark for coughs and other ailments. These records describe traditional use rather than proof of treatment. The source reports no known toxic hazards. That does not remove the physical risk from falling pods.