Copaifera duckei

Copaifera duckei, commonly known as a species of copaiba, is a significant medicinal tree native to South American rainforests. Renowned for its resinous oleoresin, it is traditionally utilized for its potent anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and healing properties, serving as a vital natural resource in diverse ethnobotanical healing practices.

  • Scientific name: Copaifera duckei
  • Family: Fabaceae
  • Native range: Southern America

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Fabales, it is classified under the family Fabaceae and the genus Copaifera. Specifically, its scientific identity is defined by the species name Copaifera duckei.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Fabales WCVP
Family Fabaceae WCVP
Genus Copaifera WCVP

Common Names

This plant, Copaifera duckei, is known by various common names depending on the region and language. In Portuguese, it is frequently referred to as copaíba, while in Spanish, it is commonly called copaiba.
Language Common Name Source

Distribution

This plant is primarily distributed across the diverse landscapes of Western South America, with a notable presence in Bolivia. Its range extends significantly into Brazil, where it can be found throughout the vast Northeast region. Furthermore, the species is widely documented within the Southeast portion of Brazil. It also inhabits the northern territories, making it a common sight in Brazil North. Overall, these specific regions define the natural habitat where this medicinal species thrives.

Region Area Source
Western South America Bolivia WCVP
Brazil Brazil Northeast WCVP
Brazil Brazil Southeast WCVP
Brazil Brazil North WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Copaifera duckei, is highly valued for its therapeutic properties, which are primarily derived from its specialized secondary metabolites. The most significant medicinal components are obtained from the oleoresin, a viscous substance harvested directly from the trunk of the tree. This oil resin serves as a potent source of bioactive compounds, such as terpenoids, which are utilized in various traditional and pharmacological applications for their anti-inflammatory and healing characteristics.
Total parts
2
Scientific sources
3
Plant Part Sources Confidence
oleoresin 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Oil Resin 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Copaifera duckei has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include ent-agathic acid, oleoresin, trans-caryophyllene.

Total chemicals
3
Scientific sources
3

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
ent-agathic acid 1 ★☆☆☆☆
oleoresin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
trans-caryophyllene 1 ★☆☆☆☆