Cacuricabra
Scientific name: Copaifera coriacea
Overview
Cacuricabra is a lesser-known tropical hardwood species native to Brazil. It belongs to the Copaifera genus, a group of trees known for producing an aromatic oleoresin commonly called copaiba balsam or copaiba oil. The tree grows along riverbanks and within tropical rainforest environments and may reach 65 feet (20 meters) or more in height.
Although detailed species-specific lumber information is limited, the wood is associated with the broader copaiba timber group, which is used for furniture components, interior joinery, flooring, veneer, turning, paneling, and general carpentry. The species is especially notable for its combination of timber potential and the production of a valuable natural resin used in varnishes, lacquers, perfumery, and other traditional products.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Cacuricabra
- Scientific Name: Copaifera coriacea
- Region: South American Hardwoods (Brazil)
- Tree Size: 65 ft (20 m) or more in height
- Average Dried Weight: Published species-specific value not readily available
- Janka Hardness: Published species-specific value not readily available
- Grain: Generally straight to slightly interlocked
- Texture: Medium
Identification Characteristics
Cacuricabra is not widely represented in the international lumber trade, and detailed descriptions of its wood can be difficult to locate. As part of the copaiba timber group, the wood can generally be expected to display reddish-brown to medium-brown heartwood with lighter, clearly differentiated sapwood.
The grain is commonly straight but may become slightly interlocked, while the texture is generally medium. Natural oleoresin within the trunk may create a noticeable aromatic or balsamic scent when the tree is tapped or the wood is freshly cut.
Key identification traits include:
- Medium brown to reddish-brown heartwood
- Lighter, clearly defined sapwood
- Straight to slightly interlocked grain
- Medium texture
- Possible balsamic or resinous scent
- Natural oleoresin channels within the trunk
Working Properties
Published machining data specifically identified as Copaifera coriacea is limited. Based on the broader copaiba timber group, the wood is generally suitable for ordinary woodworking and interior construction.
Straight-grained material should machine relatively cleanly, while interlocked sections may require sharp cutting edges and lighter passes to reduce tear-out. Resinous areas may occasionally affect sanding, gluing, or finishing and should be cleaned before assembly or applying a finish.
- Machines with standard woodworking tools
- Turns satisfactorily
- Sands to a smooth surface
- Accepts clear finishes and stains
- May develop tear-out in interlocked grain
- Resinous surfaces may require cleaning before gluing
Safety Note
Wood dust may cause skin, eye, or respiratory irritation in sensitive individuals. The natural oleoresin may also cause irritation or sensitivity through repeated skin contact.
Appropriate dust extraction, eye protection, gloves, and respiratory protection are recommended when cutting, sanding, or machining the wood. The medicinal or industrial uses of copaiba resin should not be interpreted as confirmation that untreated resin or wood dust is safe for ingestion or unprotected contact.
Common Uses
Because of its moderate density, workable grain, attractive brown coloration, and relationship to other commercially used copaiba timbers, Cacuricabra is used for numerous woodworking applications, including:
- Furniture components
- Interior joinery
- Flooring
- Light carpentry
- Interior paneling
- Moldings
- Turned objects
- Decorative veneer
- Plywood veneer
- Boxes and crates
Sustainability & Notes
Cacuricabra is native to Brazil and is associated with tropical rainforest habitats, particularly areas near riverbanks. Habitat loss, forest conversion, and poorly regulated harvesting can affect lesser-known tropical tree species even when they are not widely traded internationally.
Like other members of the Copaifera genus, the tree produces an oleoresin that can be collected by tapping the trunk. When performed carefully and at sustainable intervals, resin collection can provide economic value without immediately cutting down the tree.
The species does not appear to have the same level of commercial documentation as better-known copaiba trees. Buyers should therefore verify the botanical identity, geographic origin, and legality of any lumber sold under the name Cacuricabra or Copaifera coriacea.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
Diesel Tree – A closely related member of the Copaifera genus that is also valued for its durable wood and natural oleoresin.
Jatobá – Another South American hardwood known for its exceptional strength, durability, and use in heavy-duty flooring and construction.
Garapa – A golden-colored South American hardwood with good durability and similar use in exterior and structural applications.
Related Guides
Gluing Exotic Woods: Challenges and Solutions – Learn how natural oils and resins can interfere with adhesion and how to prepare difficult surfaces.
Labeling and Cataloging Wood Samples – Discover how to preserve botanical names, origins, suppliers, and collection dates for uncommon species.
Why Some Species Become Restricted – Understand how habitat loss, limited populations, and commercial harvesting can lead to conservation or trade controls.
Compare Wood Properties
See how this species ranks in density and hardness using our Wood Density & Janka Hardness Chart. You can also explore Hardest Woods, Softest Woods, and Most Dense Woods for quick comparisons.
Collector Notes
Cacuricabra is an unusual collector species because it is far less documented than many commercially traded South American hardwoods. Its connection to the copaiba-producing trees gives it botanical, cultural, and industrial significance beyond the appearance of the wood alone.
Collectors should preserve as much provenance as possible, including the supplier, country or region of origin, acquisition date, and botanical identification. Samples sold simply as copaiba may represent several different species, so a verified specimen of Copaifera coriacea would be particularly valuable within a documented collection.
Share Your Photos of This Species
Do you have lumber, wood samples, tree photographs, woodworking projects, furniture, carvings, turnings, musical instruments, or other items made from this species?
Exotic Woods of the World welcomes photographs from woodworkers, collectors, sawyers, researchers, and wood enthusiasts around the world. Selected submissions may be featured on this page and throughout our website to help document and showcase real-world examples of this species.
When submitting photos, please include the common name, scientific name (if known), a brief description, and any information you would like us to share with the image.
Wood Sample Collection
This species is part of an ongoing effort to document and preserve wood samples from around the world.
Learn more about contributing to the collection:
Resources
Authoritative botanical and forestry references used in compiling information about this species include:
• USDA Forest Service – Wood Handbook: Wood as an Engineering Material
https://www.fpl.fs.usda.gov/products/publications/
• The Wood Database – Global reference for wood identification, physical properties, and woodworking characteristics
https://www.wood-database.com/
• Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew – Plants of the World Online – Botanical taxonomy and species distribution database
https://powo.science.kew.org/
• International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN Red List) – Global conservation status assessments
https://www.iucnredlist.org/
• Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) – International trade regulations for protected plant species
https://cites.org/
Additional forestry publications, academic research papers, and regional timber studies may also be referenced where available.
Love This Species?
Enjoy learning about this wood species?
Help support the continued growth of Exotic Woods of the World by participating in our Adopt a Species program. Your support helps fund species research, educational content, photography, videos, and future conservation awareness initiatives.
Support Forest Conservation
This species is part of the growing Exotic Woods of the World reference archive, dedicated to documenting and preserving knowledge of the world’s wood species.
Through the Adopt a Species program, visitors can help support ongoing species research, educational content, photography, video production, and future conservation awareness initiatives.
Contributions help fund the continued expansion of this archive while promoting sustainable forestry education and the long-term appreciation of the world’s forests.
Interested in supporting this species? Visit our Adopt a Species and Conservation Partners pages to learn more.
Availability & Where to Buy
Exotic hardwood availability can vary significantly depending on region, sustainability regulations, and supplier inventory.
As this archive grows, recommended suppliers and specialty wood retailers will be listed here to help woodworkers locate responsibly sourced material.
Lumber Suppliers:
Availability varies — see the Where to Buy Exotic Woods page for current sources.
Related Tools & Products:
Availability varies — see the Where to Buy Exotic Woods page for current sources.
Share This Wood Species
Stay Connected
Follow the latest species additions, educational resources, videos, conservation initiatives, and major project milestones through our Site Updates archive.
The Site Updates archive provides a permanent record of new content, library growth, and future developments across Exotic Woods of the World.