Brazilian copal (Hymenaea courbaril, Sp. Pl.: 1192 (1753))

Family: Fabaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 1192 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Hymenaea

Vegetable: False

Observations: Mexico to Trop. America

Description

The Brazilian copal, scientifically known as Hymenaea courbaril, is a remarkable and historically significant tree belonging to the Fabaceae family. First identified and documented in 1753 by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus, this tree is native to a wide range extending from Mexico through tropical regions of America.

Hymenaea courbaril is admired for its impressive stature and robust nature, often reaching heights that underscore its majestic presence in tropical forests. The tree is characterized by its thick, hardy trunk and expansive canopy, which provides valuable shade and habitat for a diverse array of wildlife. Its compound leaves are composed of two glossy, dark green leaflets that add to its striking appearance and contribute to the lush greenery of its native habitats.

One of the most fascinating aspects of the Brazilian copal is its resin, which has been historically significant for various uses. This amber-like resin, known as “copal,” has been utilized for centuries in traditional ceremonies, as an adhesive, and in the production of varnishes and incense. The harvesting of copal resin is both an art and a science, requiring careful extraction to ensure the tree’s continued health and productivity.

Hymenaea courbaril also boasts a noteworthy ecological role. The tree’s flowers, which are creamy-white and fragrant, attract a wide variety of pollinators, including bees and bats. Its large, edible pods contain seeds enveloped in a sweet, floury pulp that is consumed by both humans and animals, thereby aiding in seed dispersal.

From an ecological standpoint, the Brazilian copal plays a crucial role in its native environments, promoting biodiversity and sustaining numerous species. It thrives in well-drained soils and can often be found in disturbed areas, demonstrating its resilience and adaptability.

Beyond its ecological and practical uses, the Brazilian copal holds cultural significance in many indigenous communities throughout its native range. It stands as a symbol of natural heritage, with its presence deeply embedded in the traditions and daily lives of those who inhabit the forests of tropical America.

In summary, Hymenaea courbaril, or the Brazilian copal, is a tree of great ecological, practical, and cultural importance. Its imposing structure, valuable resin, and role within its ecosystem make it a subject of ongoing interest and admiration. Its contribution to both human culture and biodiversity underscores the need to protect and preserve this remarkable species for future generations.

Common Names

Eng: brazilian copal, south american-locust, west indian-locust, amami-gum, stinkingtoe, locust, stinking toe tree
Deu: heuschreckenbaum
Fra: caroubier de la guyane, courbaril
Spa: copal, curbaril, guapinol, paquio
Por: jataí, jatobá, jutaí
Swe: jatoba
En: Brazilian copal, South American-locust, Amami-gum, West Indian-locust, Stinkingtoe, Locust, Stinking Toe Tree, Courbaril, Locust Tree, Stinking Toe, Stinking Tree, West Indian Locust, West Indian Locust Tree, Courbaril locust tree, Locust tee
Hy: Ժատոբա
Zh: 孪叶豆
Nl: Jatoba
Fi: Amerikanjatobapuu
Fr: Courbaril, Caroubier de la Guyane, Casse, Hyménée courbaril, Caca-chien, Caca chien, Copal, Copal du Brésil
De: Heuschreckenbaum, Jatoba, Courbaril, Locustbaum
Gn: Jeta’i
Pl: Jatoba
Pt: Jutaí, Jataí, Jatobá, Copal, Farinheira, Guapinole, Jatai, Jatai amarelo, Jataí peba, Jataí vermelho, Jataí-uva, Jatoba, Jetaí, Jetaíba, Jutai, Jutaicica, Lágrima
Pt-br: Farinheira, Jitaí
Qu: Hak’u wayaqa
Ro: Jatobá
Ru: Ятоба
Es: Curbaril, Paquio, Guapinol, Copal, Canafistula Cimarrona, Algarobo, Corobore, Courbaril, Algarrobo, Algarrobo del orinoco, Anime, Cuapinol, Paquió, Pecueca
Sv: Jatoba
Zh-tw: 攣葉豆
Zh-hant: 孿葉豆
Vi: Tòng chi

Synonyms

• Hymenaea resinifera (Salisb.)
• Inga megacarpa (M.E.Jones)
• Hymenaea animifera (Stokes)
• Peltogyne confertifolia ((Hayne) Benth.)
• Hymenaea splendida (Vogel)
• Hymenaea retusa (Willd. ex Hayne)
• Hymenaea multiflora (Kleinhoonte)
• Hymenaea courbaril var. obtusifolia (Ducke)
• Hymenaea candolleana (Kunth)
• Hymenaea courbaril var. subsessilis (Ducke)
• Hymenaea courbaril var. stilbocarpa ((Hayne) Y.T.Lee & Langenh.)
• Hymenaea confertifolia (Hayne)
• Hymenaea courbaril var. villosa (Y.T.Lee & Andrade-Lima)
• Hymenaea stilbocarpa (Hayne)

Distribution

• Belize (native)
• Bolivia (native)
• Brazil North (native)
• Brazil Northeast (native)
• Brazil South (native)
• Brazil Southeast (native)
• Brazil West-Central (native)
• Colombia (native)
• Costa Rica (native)
• Cuba (native)
• Dominican Republic (native)
• El Salvador (native)
• French Guiana (native)
• Guatemala (native)
• Guyana (native)
• Haiti (native)
• Honduras (native)
• Jamaica (native)
• Leeward Is. (native)
• Mexico Central (native)
• Mexico Gulf (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)
• Mexico Southeast (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• Nicaragua (native)
• Panamá (native)
• Paraguay (native)
• Peru (native)
• Puerto Rico (native)
• Suriname (native)
• Trinidad-Tobago (native)
• Venezuela (native)
• Venezuelan Antilles (native)
• Windward Is. (native)
• Benin (introduced)
• Borneo (introduced)
• China Southeast (introduced)
• Congo (introduced)
• Guinea (introduced)
• Guinea-Bissau (introduced)
• Ivory Coast (introduced)
• Jawa (introduced)
• Kenya (introduced)
• Madagascar (introduced)
• Malaya (introduced)
• Philippines (introduced)
• Sri Lanka (introduced)
• Taiwan (introduced)
• Uganda (introduced)
• Zimbabwe (introduced)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Jun 15, 2019 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 24, 2021 by SINAC oscar (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 24, 2021 by SINAC oscar (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 24, 2021 by SINAC oscar (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 21, 2021 by Aguilar Francisco (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jun 25, 2014 by Thomas Delhotal (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 21, 2016 by Thomas Delhotal (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 22, 2016 by Thomas Delhotal (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 22, 2020 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 22, 2020 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken May 11, 2021 by Eduardo Bispo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 5, 2021 by Marcones Alves (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 26, 2022 by peña luis (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 22, 2020 by Espinoza Roberto (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 21, 2021 by Aguilar Francisco (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jan 24, 2014 by Thomas Delhotal (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 24, 2014 by Thomas Delhotal (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 24, 2014 by Thomas Delhotal (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 21, 2016 by Thomas Delhotal (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 23, 2021 by Sébastien TRASBOT (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Sep 30, 2010 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Apr 14, 2021 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Sep 30, 2010 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Sep 30, 2010 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Sep 30, 2010 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

© 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.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2950750)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:125420-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Hymenaea courbaril L.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Tree

Growth rate: Slow

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.5

Ph minimum: 5.5