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.
Mdly toxic by
ingestion. Large doses cause vomiting and
diarrhea. Can also cause dermatitis and
hdney damage. When heated to
decomposition it emits acrid smoke and
irritating fumes.
