Copaifera


Copaifera is a genus of tropical plants in the legume family Fabaceae. It includes 40 species native to the tropical Americas, west and central tropical Africa, and Borneo.
The scientific name means "copal-bearer", since economically important resins and essential oils can be acquired from them. They are also important for production of biodiesel and wood, especially Copaifera langsdorffii. Other species are threatened, mainly by deforestation.
Oil extracts from the genus are of particular interest as a source of antimycobacterial agents.

Species

40 species are accepted: