Copaifera paupera

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Copaifera langsdorffii var. peruviana
• Copaifera reticulata var. peruviana
• Copaiba paupera

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, Copaifera paupera, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is categorized under the order Fabales. It is a member of the Fabaceae family, specifically classified within the genus Copaifera.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific distribution pattern primarily concentrated within the western and northern regions of South America. In the western part of the continent, it can be found growing in the territories of Bolivia. Its presence also extends across the borders into Peru, marking another key area of its natural habitat. Furthermore, the species is located in the northern parts of Brazil. Together, these locations define the distinct geographical range of Copaifera paupera.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Copaifera paupera is intrinsically tied to the structural and environmental conditions of the Floresta de Terra Firme. As a component of these non-flooded forest ecosystems, the species thrives in stable, well-drained soils that are not subject to seasonal inundation, allowing for the development of deep root systems characteristic of many Fabaceae members. Within this habitat, the plant participates in the complex nutrient cycling and stratification of the tropical forest, occupying specific vertical niches that dictate its interaction with light availability and humidity. Its presence in these upland forest environments suggests an adaptation to the consistent moisture retention and high biodiversity found in the primary or mature secondary forests of the region.

Habitat :

Floresta de Terra Firme

Morphology

The morphology of Copaifera paupera is characterized by its growth form as a woody tree, which stands as a self-supporting structure rather than a climber, liana, or vine. This species is strictly terrestrial in its habitat, lacking aquatic, semiaquatic, or epiphytic tendencies, and it functions as an independent organism without parasitic behavior. As a robust woody plant, it can reach a maximum height of approximately 40 meters, establishing a significant presence within its ecological niche.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

40 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Copaifera paupera is characterized by its reliance on the C3 photosynthetic pathway, a mechanism where carbon dioxide is initially fixed into a three-carbon compound during the Calvin cycle. This metabolic process involves the enzyme RuBisCO facilitating the carboxylation of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate, making the plant's carbon assimilation highly dependent on environmental factors such as light intensity, temperature, and water availability. As a C3 plant, its physiological efficiency is optimized for environments where transpiration rates can be managed, though it may face limitations in photorespiration under high-temperature or water-stressed conditions. Beyond its carbon fixation strategy, the plant's physiological framework supports the complex biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, including various oleoresins, which are integrated into its metabolic pathways.

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Copaifera paupera has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Compound 2.

Compound 2

1. Planta medica

Activities

Copaifera paupera has 2 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antimicrobial, Cytotoxic.

Antimicrobial

1. Planta medica

Cytotoxic

1. Planta medica

Conditions

Copaifera paupera has 2 reported investigations on conditions identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include Leishmania infantum, leishmaniasis.

Leishmania infantum

1. BioMed research international

Leishmaniasis

1. Frontiers in pharmacology

Preparations

Copaifera paupera has 4 reported preparations identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include crude extracts, fractions of oleoresin, oleoresin, oleoresins.

Crude extracts

1. BioMed research international

Fractions of oleoresin

1. BioMed research international

Oleoresin

1. Planta medica

Oleoresins

1. BioMed research international