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copaifera
Scientific Name: Copaifera multijuga
Family: Fabaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth:
Duration:
Other Names:
Copaifera: The Copal-Bearer
The genus Copaifera belongs to the legume family, Fabaceae. The name "Copaifera" literally means "copal-bearer," referring to the economically valuable resins produced by these trees.
Considerations for Pets
- Copaifera produces an oleoresin which is sometimes sold in gel capsules, so care may be needed to store them in a safe place.
- The text indicates that the resin of Copaifera species is known to heal wounds and have antibacterial effects.
Considerations for Children
- Copaifera produces an oleoresin which is sometimes sold in gel capsules, so care may be needed to store them in a safe place.
- The text indicates that the resin of Copaifera species is known to heal wounds and have antibacterial effects.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Copaifera
- Family: Fabaceae (Leguminosae) - legume family
- Subfamily: Caesalpinioideae (mentioned in the context of Copaifera ist eine Pflanzengattung)
Synonyms and Alternative Names (Examples)
- Copaifera langsdorfii (listed as a synonym for Copaifera officinalis)
- Copaifera jacquinii
- Copaiva officinalis (synonym for Copaifera officinalis)
Common Names
- Copaiba
- Copaiba Balsam
- Copaiva
- Jesuit's Balsam
- Copal
- Palo
- Rashed Tree (specifically for Copaifera langsdorffii)
- Salam Tree (specifically for Copaifera langsdorffii)
- Kupa'y
- Cabismo
- Etimoe, African Etimoe (specifically for Copaifera salikounda, Copaifera mildbraedii)
Distribution and Habitat
- Primarily found in tropical South America, especially in:
- Brazil
- Argentina
- Bolivia
- Guyana
- Colombia
- Peru
- Venezuela
- Native to Martinique, Trinidad, and other West India islands, as well as Venezuela.
- Copaifera aromatica is endemic to Panama and Costa Rica.
- Copaifera langsdorffii has a large geographical distribution from Argentina to Guyana.
Ecological Role
- Copaifera officinalis exhibits characteristics often associated with invasive species, such as being shade-tolerant.
- Copaifera langsdorffii (Diesel tree) is considered a pest weed in Queensland, Australia, and is a non-declared weed under Queensland legislation.
Morphological Characteristics
- Copaifera langsdorffii is an evergreen tree reaching 6-12 (-35) meters in height and up to 1 meter in diameter.
- Leaves are paripinnate, glabrous, and subcoriaceous, with leaflets that are 5-10 cm long and arranged in 2-4 pairs.
- Copaifera aromatica is a fast-growing tree that reaches 35 m in height and 90 cm in diameter.
- Copaifera reticulata is a large, evergreen tree growing to a height of 30 - 45 metres with a straight and cylindrical bole that can be branchless for 30 metres.
- Pinnate leaves
- Racemose apetalous flowers
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Oils obtained from Copaifera martii, Copaifera officinalis, and Copaifera reticulata have shown activity against Gram-positive bacteria.
Quirky Facts
- Copaifera langsdorffii is known as the "Diesel tree" because its liquid oleoresin can potentially be used directly as fuel.
Further Information
- Taxonomic Serial Number for Copaifera officinalis (Jacq.) L.: 506244 (available via a link).
- More multimedia content can be found on Wikimedia Commons.