ABSTRACT
Copaifera occurs in Africa (4 spp.), Central America (4 spp.), South America (about 37 spp.) and probably in Asia (1 sp.). Nine species were recognized within the Brazilian Amazon: Copaifera duckei, C. glycycarpa, C. guyanensis, C. martii, C. multijuga, C. paupera, C. piresii, C. pubiflora e C. reticulata. Their habit varies between shrubby and tree-like, with some species forming 40 m tall trees. Copaifera is economically important as a timber source, and increasingly as the source of an oleoresin used as a component of medicines, cosmetics, ink and film-development. The present treatment includes an identification key for the species, illustrations, descriptions and comments regarding the morphology, taxonomy and distribution of the species treated.
Key words:
Copaíba; medicinal; oleoresin; taxonomy; Caesalpiniaceae