| Protium copal | |
|---|---|
| |
| Libellus de medicinalibus Indorum herbis f. 56v detail copal | |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Sapindales |
| Family: | Burseraceae |
| Genus: | Protium |
| Species: | P. copal |
| Binomial name | |
| Protium copal Engl. | |
Protium copal, commonly known as the copal tree, is a species of tree endemic to Mexico and Central America. It is found in wet tropical forests, preferring heavy shade. It grows to 30 metres (98 ft) in height and has long leathery leaves. The fruits are (2–3 cm) and smooth, with a single pit.
The dried sap of the tree is known as copal. It is commonly used as an incense, similar to frankincense.
References
- ^ Harris, Kate (2009). Trees of Belize. Belize: Bay Cedar Publishing. pp. 47–48. ISBN 9780992758202.
| Taxon identifiers | |
|---|---|
| Protium copal | |
| Icica copal | |