Brazilian copaiba

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Brazilian copaiba
• copaiba
• copaifera

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Copaiba multijuga

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

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. It is specifically identified by the genus Copaifera, with its species name being multijuga.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific geographical distribution concentrated within the tropical regions of South America. It can be found growing across parts of Western South America, specifically within the borders of Bolivia. In Brazil, its presence is well-documented throughout the North region. Additionally, the species extends into the West-Central part of Brazil. These diverse locations highlight the plant's affinity for the unique ecosystems found in these specific territories.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Copaifera multijuga is fundamentally defined by its occurrence within the Floresta de Terra Firme, where it thrives in stable, non-flooded forest ecosystems. In these upland terrestrial environments, the species is adapted to well-drained soils that are typically nutrient-cycling driven, characteristic of undisturbed tropical forest structures. As a component of the terra firme vegetation, it occupies specific successional niches within the canopy or sub-canopy, relying on the consistent moisture availability and complex microclimates provided by the dense forest cover. Its presence is closely tied to the structural integrity of these high-ground forest habitats, where it interacts with a diverse array of soil microbiota and forest fauna essential for its life cycle.

Habitat :

Floresta de Terra Firme

Life history

The life history of Copaifera multijuga is characterized by its nature as a perennial species, allowing it to maintain a stable presence within its ecosystem over many years. As an evergreen plant, it does not undergo a seasonal shedding of its foliage, ensuring that it maintains a continuous canopy and photosynthetic capacity throughout the year. This combination of a long-lived life cycle and constant leaf retention supports its sustained growth and its ability to consistently produce the medicinal resins for which it is valued.

Deciduousness :

evergreen

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Copaifera multijuga is characterized by its robust growth form as a large, woody tree that can reach a maximum plant height of approximately 60 m. As a terrestrial species, it does not exhibit aquatic or semiaquatic tendencies, nor does it function as an epiphyte (whether holoepiphyte, hemiepiphyte, or facultative) or a climber (such as a liana or vine), instead maintaining a self-supporting structure. It is an independent organism that does not function as a parasite, relying on its own physiological processes rather than being an obligatory or facultative parasite on other hosts.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

60 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Copaifera multijuga is characterized by a C3 photosynthetic pathway, which dictates its carbon fixation processes and metabolic efficiency under typical tropical forest conditions. In terms of nutrient cycling and symbiotic associations, the species is not a nitrogen fixer, meaning it relies on the uptake of available nitrogen from the soil rather than through biological nitrogen fixation via root nodules.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Copaifera multijuga has 5 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include (-)-Copalic acid, BETA-CARYOPHYLLENE, Sesquiterpenes, alpha copaene, copalic acid.

(-)-Copalic acid

1. Journal of toxicology and environmental health. Part A

BETA-CARYOPHYLLENE

1. The Journal of pharmacy and pharmacology

Sesquiterpenes

1. The Journal of pharmacy and pharmacology

alpha copaene

1. The Journal of pharmacy and pharmacology

copalic acid

1. The Journal of pharmacy and pharmacology

Activities

Copaifera multijuga has 3 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antigenotoxic, Antimicrobial, Antioxidant.

Antigenotoxic

1. Journal of toxicology and environmental health. Part A

Antimicrobial

1. Frontiers in pharmacology

Antioxidant

1. Frontiers in pharmacology

Preparations

Copaifera multijuga has 2 reported preparations identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include oleoresin, oleoresin of Copaifera multijuga.

Oleoresin

1. Journal of toxicology and environmental health. Part A

Oleoresin of copaifera multijuga

1. Journal of toxicology and environmental health. Part A