Copal
Hymenaea martianafam. Fabaceae
Educational content — not medical, botanical, or professional advice. Plant identification, safety, and edibility depend on local conditions, cultivars, and correct identification. Consult a qualified botanist or forager before consuming or handling wild specimens. How we source & review →
Pl. 47BA — Hymenaea martiana
Hymenaea martianaHymenaea martianaHymenaea martianaHymenaea martianaHymenaea martianaHymenaea martianaHymenaea martianaHymenaea martianaHymenaea martianaHymenaea martianaHymenaea martianaHymenaea martianaHymenaea martianaHymenaea martiana
IOverview
Overview
Copal, scientifically known as Hymenaea martiana and belonging to the Fabaceae family, is a tree native to regions in Bolivia, Brazil (including North, Northeast, Southeast, and West-Central), Colombia, and Paraguay. This tree thrives in full sun and prefers moist conditions with light, medium, or heavy soil types. Known for its edible fruit, Copal can grow up to 13 meters tall and is a valuable resource within its native range due to its culinary uses. One distinctive feature of this plant is its adaptability to various soil types, making it a versatile addition to landscapes in suitable climates.
Quick answers
What is Copal?
Copal, scientifically known as Hymenaea martiana and belonging to the Fabaceae family, is a tree native to regions in Bolivia, Brazil (including North, Northeast, Southeast, and West-Central), Colombia, and Paraguay. This tree thrives in full sun and prefers moist conditions with light, medium, or heavy soil types.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Copal thrives in full sun and requires moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in temperate regions with a range of 10-12. This tree grows up to 13 meters tall and produces edible fruit. For propagation, seeds can be used directly. Ensure the planting site has good drainage while maintaining consistent moisture.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
10-12
Mature size
13.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Copal for the first time
8steps
Begin by planting Copal in a sunny spot with well-draining soil for the best results.
- 1
What you'll need
Copal seeds, potting mix, container or garden space.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring when temperatures are consistently above 10°C (50°F).
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use a well-draining soil mix suitable for light, medium, or heavy soils.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in the garden or start them indoors 8 weeks before planting outside.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil moist and provide partial shade if direct sunlight is too intense.
- 6
Ongoing care
Ensure regular watering, especially during dry periods. Fertilize lightly in spring with a balanced fertilizer.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune young plants to shape and remove dead branches. Harvest fruits when they turn yellow.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy clay soil, not providing enough light, neglecting pruning, and using too much fertilizer.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Fruit
Edible uses: The fruit of Copal (Hymenaea martiana) is edible and can be eaten raw or used in various preparations. Typically, the fruit is consumed fresh but may also be dried for later use.
Other uses:Lumber
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
7 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
7 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 7 native
Americas3 regions
native (3)BoliviaColombiaParaguay
Broader regions
native:Brazil Southeast, Brazil West-Central, Brazil North, Brazil Northeast
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Fabaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Fabaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
- Last updated
- Citation
- How to cite this entry · Submit a correction
Back to the cataloguePlant id · 47bacb08-21bc-4973-ae5a-223ddde126e7
Decision aid
Choosing between Copal and something else?
Continue reading
❦❦❦❦
Endpaper · archive updates
Get archive updates
Occasional email when substantial new content lands — plant profiles, seasonal growing notes, folk-remedy additions. Free, no tracking, unsubscribe anytime.