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Protium copal, the copal tree, is a large tropical forest tree from Mexico and Central America, grown for its resin (copal) used as incense. It is not a common garden or houseplant, and it needs warm, humid, shaded conditions.
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.
Text excerpted from the Wikipedia article Protium copal by its contributors, under CC BY-SA 4.0; the excerpts and the care summary drawn from them are shared under the same licence.
The care summary was written by AI (Claude, Anthropic) from the sources on this page, with general growing knowledge where they are silent. Check before relying on it.
Life form, climate and native range: World Checklist of Vascular Plants, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (CC BY 3.0), reformatted; see Plants of the World Online.
