African copaiba balsamtree (Daniellia oliveri, Fl. W. Trop. Afr. 1: 341 (1928))

Family: Fabaceae

Author: (Rolfe) Hutch. & Dalziel

Bibliography: Fl. W. Trop. Afr. 1: 341 (1928)

Year: 1928

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Daniellia

Vegetable: False

Observations: W. Trop. Africa to NW. Uganda

Description

The African copaiba balsamtree, known scientifically as Daniellia oliveri, is a remarkable species belonging to the Fabaceae family. This tree is celebrated for its wide distribution, occurring from Western Tropical Africa to the northwestern regions of Uganda.

Described in the seminal work “Flora of West Tropical Africa” by Hutchinson and Dalziel in 1928, Daniellia oliveri has garnered attention for both its ecological significance and its various applications. The tree thrives in tropical climates, contributing to the biodiversity and stability of the ecosystems it inhabits.

Daniellia oliveri is distinguished by its robust trunk and expansive canopy, characteristics typical of the African trees that dominate the landscapes of savannas and open woodlands. The leaves are pinnately compound, a common trait in members of the Fabaceae family, and they form a lush green crown that provides ample shade and shelter for many forms of wildlife.

One of the most notable features of the African copaiba balsamtree is its production of a resin, often referred to as balsam, which has been traditionally harvested for its medicinal properties. Local communities have utilized this resin to treat various ailments, underscoring the importance of the tree in traditional healing practices.

In addition to its medicinal uses, Daniellia oliveri plays a pivotal role in the environment. Its presence enhances soil fertility through nitrogen fixation, a process mediated by roots that host symbiotic bacteria. This attribute is particularly beneficial in agricultural domains where soil health is crucial.

Conservation efforts are essential to protect Daniellia oliveri, especially in the face of rapid deforestation and land-use changes. As the tree continues to provide ecological, medicinal, and economic benefits, its preservation becomes increasingly vital for maintaining the health and sustainability of the regions it inhabits.

In summary, Daniellia oliveri, or the African copaiba balsamtree, stands as a pillar of ecological and cultural significance in Western Tropical Africa and northwestern Uganda. Understanding and preserving this species is paramount for the continued prosperity of the local ecosystems and communities that rely on its myriad benefits.

Common Names

Eng: african copaiba balsam tree, african copaiba balsamtree, ilorin balsam, west african copal, west african gum copal
Fra: copahu africaine
En: African copaiba balsamtree, Ilorin balsam, West African copal, West African gum copal, Santan, African copaiba balsam tree
Fr: Copahu africaine

Synonyms

• Paradaniellia oliveri (Rolfe)

Distribution

• Benin (native)
• Burkina (native)
• Cameroon (native)
• Central African Repu (native)
• Chad (native)
• Gambia (native)
• Ghana (native)
• Guinea (native)
• Guinea-Bissau (native)
• Ivory Coast (native)
• Mali (native)
• Niger (native)
• Nigeria (native)
• Senegal (native)
• Sierra Leone (native)
• Sudan (native)
• Togo (native)
• Uganda (native)
• Zaïre (native)

Additional Images

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Leaf

Taken Dec 10, 2019 by Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 10, 2019 by Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 25, 2022 by Cactolandia Gardés Érika (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 25, 2022 by Cactolandia Gardés Érika (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 11, 2019 by André Abrahami (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jan 6, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Sylvain PIRY (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 6, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Sylvain PIRY (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 6, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Sylvain PIRY (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 12, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Florian FRAIX-BAVUZ (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 12, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Florian FRAIX-BAVUZ (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Dec 10, 2019 by Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 12, 2022 by gonzalo arthuro mendez maturrano (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 4, 2018 by Paulin OUOBA (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 12, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Florian FRAIX-BAVUZ (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Mar 4, 2018 by Paulin OUOBA (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 4, 2018 by Paulin OUOBA (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2948733)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:490996-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Daniellia oliveri (Rolfe) Hutch. & Dalziel)

Specifications

Growth