SafePlants

No images found for this plant ID: 11766.

Ensure images are uploaded to the Media Library and tagged with "11766" in the "plant_image_tag" taxonomy.

Safe for Children?

✅ Safe: 0
❓ Neutral: 0
❌ Unsafe: 0

Safe for Dogs?

✅ Safe: 0
❓ Neutral: 0
❌ Unsafe: 0

Safe for Cats?

✅ Safe: 0
❓ Neutral: 0
❌ Unsafe: 0

Safe for Reptiles?

✅ Safe: 0
❓ Neutral: 0
❌ Unsafe: 0

copaiba

Scientific Name: Copaifera officinalis

Family: Fabaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Tree

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Copaiba: A South American Treasure

Copaiba, derived from the Copaifera genus of South American leguminous trees, has a long history of traditional uses, particularly for its potential soothing and balancing properties.

Considerations for Pets

  • Copaiba is obtained from the trunk of several pinnate-leaved South American trees (genus Copaifera).
  • Copaiba produces many small fruit pods with 2-4.

Scientific Name and Common Names

  • Scientific Name: Copaifera spp. (specifically mentioned: Copaifera officinalis, Copaifera langsdorffii, Copaifera reticulata)
  • Common Names: Copaiba, Copaiba Oil, Copaiba Balsam, Copal

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Genus: Copaifera
  • Family: Leguminosae (Pea family)
  • Type: Stimulant oleoresin

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to South America, particularly Brazil.
  • Found in the Amazon region and its tributaries.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Copaiba trees are considerably branched and grow from 15-30 meters high.
  • They produce many small, white flowers on long panicles.
  • They have small fruit pods with 2-4 seeds.
  • The oleoresin exudate is thick and transparent, varying in color from light gold to dark brown depending on the resin to essential oil ratio.

Traditional Uses and Properties

  • Traditionally used to support the body's natural response to irritation and healthy digestion.
  • Historically used by native healers for relief from joint and stomach discomfort.
  • Documented with antibacterial, diuretic, disinfectant, and stimulant properties.
  • Used in South American and Amazonian medicine.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • The resin contains caryophyllene, a phytochemical.

Additional Information

  • Copaiba is used in making varnishes and lacquers.

Resources

  • Online Plant Database (containing rainforest medicinal plants)
  • WebMD
  • Amazon.com
  • Pinterest
  • New Directions Aromatics
  • HSN.com