Protium copal

Occasional understory evergreen treelet (5-10 m) found in humid, deep forest habitats as well as along stream banks. The white-ariled seeds encased in red capsules are this tree's most unusual characteristic and they are the hallmark of the Protium genus.

Description: P. copal has a thin, cylindrical trunk (10 cm) with smooth, tan-brown bark. It's long branches are few in number and they leave the bole at all levels, producing a thin, leggy, narrow crown. All parts of the plant contain clear, aromatic sap whose odor is reminiscent of turpentine or some other combustible hydrocarbon. Leaves are imparipinnately compound, alternate, and composed of 3 to 7 large, elliptical, glabrous leaflets with drip tips. The whole leaf measures 35 cm long by 20 cm wide while leaflets average 20 cm by 6 cm. Protium flowers (5 mm by 3 mm), borne on stringy axillary panicles, are small and inconspicuous. Each consists of four green petals, 8 brown stamens and a tiny, central pistil. Flowering periods appear to be sporadic and irregular, with individuals often blossoming unilaterally. However, relatively synchronized flowerings witnessed repeatedly over several successive years have occurred during the months of May, September, and December. The fruits of this species are larger (2 cm) and more attractive than its flowers. They are green valvate capsules, possessing anywhere from one to four sections, found dangling from the old, thin flower-panicle stalks. Often clustered near the ends of the flexible branches, the fruits sometimes add enough extra weight to cause the limbs to droop. When mature, the fruits turn scarlet red and shed their wedge-shaped covers, revealing snow-white, fleshy arils within. These ariled seed then flips outward and dangles by a thin strand below the core of the opened capsule. Usually, Protium trees maintain a bundle of immature capsules in their crowns for a couple of months, slowly and sequentially allowing them to reach fruition. Ripe fruits have been observed at all times during the year.

Similar Species: Trees of Protium's small stature and possessing compound leaves are few. Talisia nervosa shares these features however it is a strictly monopodial treelet and its leaves are clustered, umbrella fashion, at the top of the trunk - a very distinct growth form. Picramnia latifolia also could be confused with Protium, but its leaflets are more elongated - with extended drip-tips - and are alternately arranged along the petiole (Protium's are oppositely arranged).

Natural History: Protium flowers are pollinated by bees, butterflies and other insects. Fruits, dangling from thin threads, are well exposed and their contrasting hues of red and white are clearly visible in the otherwise somber forest understory. Birds are probably the primary dispersers of Protium seeds. where they are probably seen and eaten by birds.

Uses: This tree has no known uses. It is possible that it's twigs and bark are as readily flammable as those of Protium panamensis (Canfín), but this has not been verified.

Distribution: Protium is found exclusively amid primary vegetation, in perpetually moist soils.

Flower    Fruit    Fruit