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The commercially most important species of Copaifera are C. reticulata Ducke, C. guayanensis Benth, C. multijuga Hayne, C. officinalis L., C. martii var. rigida and C. coriacea. All species consist of highly branched trees growing in the northern regions of South America (Brazil, Venezuela and Colombia). The trees yield an oleoresin that gathers in pockets of the tree and is collected by drilling holes in the trunk. This resin is commercially known as copaiba balsam. It has a characteristic aromatic odor. It is slightly bitter and has a pungent taste.

Copaiba resin is a viscous, pale-yellow to yellowish-brown liquid. However, depending on the sources, the physical–chemical characteristics can vary considerably.

Extractives and their physically modified derivatives. It consists primarily of resins, essential oils, and usually cinnamic and benzoic acids.