Common Name:

General Information

Jacaranda copaia is a medium to large-sized deciduous tree with a high, narrow crown; it can grow from 20 - 30 metres or more tall[, ]. The straight, cylindrical bole is usually unbranched for most of its length and often somewhat flattened; it can be 40 - 90cm in diameter[], 2099.
The plant is gathered from the wild for local medicinal use, and as an insect repellent and source of timber. The wood is sometimes traded. Widely grown as an ornamental in gardens, where it is especially appreciated for its flowers, it is considered to be one of the most beautiful and showy of the Central American trees[].
Jacaranda copaia has a very wide distribution, large population. It is not currently experiencing any major threats owing to its wide geographic range and regeneration abilities. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2020)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

S. America - Peru, Bolivia, Brazil and the Guyanas, north through Central America to Guatemala and Belize.

Habitat

A canopy or emergent tree, often found in dense rainforests, growing in areas not subject to seasonal inundation[]. Wet forest, at or a little above sea level in Guatemala[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Tree
Height	25.00 m
Growth Rate	Fast
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Prefers a sunny position[].
A fast-growing tree in open areas[]. Young trees are unbranched with a cluster of giant leaves at their top[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The bark is cathartic and emetic[, , ]. An infusion is used in the treatment of dysentery[]. A tea made from the shredded bark is used in the treatment of colds and pneumonia[]. The bark is used in an antisyphilitic powder[]. It is used in the treatment of itch, syphilis, and urethritis[].

A decoction of the leaves is used in the treatment of bronchitis, fevers and rheumatism[, ]. An infusion of the leaves is used in the treatment of syphilis[].
Applied externally, the leaf is used in a plaster with soap to treat leishmaniasis (bos-yaws)[, ]. It is used in a pomade for treating skin diseases such as ringworm[]. The juice from the young leaves is warmed and applied to persistent sores[]. A gargle of the leaves is used to treat syphilitic lesions of the throat[, ]. The crushed leaves are used as a cicatrizant on wounds[].

The root is diaphoretic[].

The sap is used in the treatment of skin infections[].

Agroforestry Uses:

The species is able to regenerate in open and deforested areas. Juvenile trees can be extremely abundant in second growth situations and are one of the characteristic elements of wet forest second growth[]. The plant also has the potential to become a large, emergent tree in the forest[]. Thus it could be used as a pioneer tree within its native range, being allowed to grow to maturity and potentially then providing useful timber[].

Other Uses

The leaves and wood are burnt to produce smoke which acts as an insect repellent, especially against mosquitoes[, ].

The seed pods (capsule valves[]) are used as a tool for shaping pottery[, ].

The heartwood is oatmeal-coloured to pinky-white or dingy white; it is not demarcated from the sapwood. The texture is coarse; the grain straight; lustre somewhat satiny; there is no distinctive odour or taste. The wood is very light in weight; very soft but firm; not durable, being susceptible to fungi, dry wood borers and termites. It seasons rapidly with only a slight risk of checking and distortion; once dry it is very stable to moderately stable in service. The wood is very easy to cut; saws woolly when green; finishes smoothly if tools are kept very sharp; nailing and screwing are poor; gluing is correct. The wood has some of the properties of white pine (Pinus strobus), and is suitable for light interior construction, cabinet making, boxes, crates, etc[, , ]. It is used by local people to add buoyancy to rafts made of heavier timbers[]. The wood is pulped for paper manufacture[, ].
The wood is widely used for fuel[].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a partially shaded position in a nursery seedbed. A high germination rate can be expected, with the seed sprouting within 14 - 21 days[]. When they are 5 - 6cm tall, transplant the seedlings into individual containers. They should be ready to plant out into their permanent positions 5 - 6 months later[].
Cuttings of half-ripe wood with a heel[].

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