SafePlants

Daniellia thurifera: The Niger Copal Tree

Daniellia thurifera, commonly known as the Niger Copal Tree, is a fascinating member of the plant kingdom. This page provides an overview of its characteristics, distribution, and uses.

Considerations for Pets and Children

• This tree produces a gum-resin (gum-copal) that is traded.
• Resin from the tree has traditional uses in rituals and ceremonies.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Daniellia thurifera Bennett
• Family: Fabaceae (Legume Family)
• Taxonomic Rank: Species
• Synonyms and Common Names:
  • Niger Copal Tree
  • English Frankincense Tree
  • Frankincense Tree of Sierra Leone
  • Copal Tree
  • Bumbo Tree of Sierra Leone
  • Gum-Copal Tree
  • Accra Copal
  • Faro
  • Sudan Copal

Distribution and Habitat

• Daniellia thurifera occurs from Senegal east to western Nigeria.
• It is found in the Niger districts.

Ecological Role

• The text mentions the loss of African trees, including those that produce gum copal, rubber, cola nuts, and palm oil, but does not explicitly state that the Niger Copal Tree is an invasive species.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• It is described as a small to medium-sized tree.

Traditional and Economic Uses

• The trees are of ecological, botanical, economical, pharmaceutical, and medicinal importance.
• Its gum-resin (gum-copal) is traded.
• Copal resin is used in magic rituals, love potions, and wedding ceremonies.
• Gum copal is extracted from the tree and used for varnish, sizing and glue, and enamel.

Quirky Facts

• The name "copal" comes from the Classical Nahuatl word "copalli," which means "incense."

Further Information

• Frankincense Tree Niger Copal Tree Sierra Leone
• Nigeria- based Cocoa Producers Alliance (COPAL)