Select Language:
< Back COPAIBA (Copaifera officinalis) Print Friendly View
Copaiba
Copaifera officinalis (Jacq.) L.
LEGUMINOSAE
Caniva (Panama); Balsamo (Trinidad & Tobago); Bálsamo De Copaiba (Cuba); Aceite (Venezuela); Copaiba (Peru); Cupay (Paraguay); Aceite Copaiba (Colombia); Canime (Colombia); Bálsamo De Copa (Cuba); Copaiba (Colombia); Copaiba (Ecuador); Copaiba (Peru); Palo De Aceite; Pau Olho (Brazil); Pau De Óleo (Brazil); Aceite (Venezuela); Currucay; Camiba; Cabimo; Copaíba (Brazil); Copahyba (Brazil); Copahiba (Brazil)
Copaiva officinalis Jacq.; Copaifera jacquinii Desf.; Copaiba officinalis Adans.
It is a large tree, reaching heights of up to 40 m, with trunk diameters of 60 cm. The boles are cylindrical, without buttresses, and commercial lengths of about 20 m.
Copaifera officinalis is spread in tropical America in a wide variety of habitats in tropical rain and dry forests. It prefers well drained sites.
The natural growth range of this species is Central America and tropical South America, it is also grows in the Caribbean.
Wood diffuse porous. Vessels solitary and in short radial multiples. Tangential diameter of vessel lumina 150 to 200 micras (medium). Vessels per mm2 less than 6 (rare). Simple perforation plates. Vessel-ray pits similar to intervessel pits in size and shape. I Axial parenchyma in marginal or in seemingly marginal bands. Paratracheal axial parenchyma scanty and/or vasicentric. Axial parenchyma in thick bands. Prismatic crystals in chambered axial parenchyma cells and/or in fibers. Two cells per parenchyma strand. 4 to 10 rays per mm (medium). Rays 1 to 4 seriate. Homogeneous rays and/or sub-homogeneous rays (all ray cells procumbent). Fibers with simple to minutely bordered pits.
Unrestricted
It has no distinct odor or taste.
The sapwood is pinkish red, the heartwood suddenly changes into yellowish red.
3
Straight or interlocked grain is often found in this species.
The wood is typically medium in texture.
The wood surfaces tend to be moderately to highly lustrous
Copaiba timber is reported as moderately durable against decay and insects attack.
3
The timber is difficult to treat with preservatives.
0.61
0.67
6.6
4.2
Ease of Drying: This species air seasons rapidly and almost without defects. Drying Defects: In Colombia risk of twisting and cupping is reported.
JUNAC-A
1.6
911
80000
479
92
116
537
622
This species is easy to saw.
Light Copaifera species are reported to be interesting for peeling, the heavier species can be sliced.
Light Copaifera species are reported to be interesting for peeling, the heavier species can be sliced.
Planing operations are rather easy.
Molding is reported to be easy.
30
This species is easy to bore.
HOUSING GENERAL, beams, joists, boards, flooring, frames, steps, panelling, fittings, shutter boards, FURNITURE AND CABINETS, PLYWOOD AND VENEER, faces, TURNING, CONTAINERS, truck bodies, OTHER AND MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS, door core, moldings
Please Provide Information To View Producer Information