PlantaeHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN NTInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Near Threatened — close to qualifying as Vulnerable. Requires ongoing monitoring.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Prioria copaifera
Cativo
Griseb., 1860
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A majestic canopy tree reaching up to 50 meters tall, characterized by a straight, cylindrical trunk with smooth, greyish-brown bark, large pinnate leaves with asymmetric leaflets, and a high-volume resin system that exudes an amber fluid when injured.
Added by
Anonymous Curator
Reviewed by
Under Review
Last modified by
Julia Trouin
TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Tracheophyta
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Magnoliopsida
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Fabales
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Fabaceae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Prioria
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.Griseb., 1860
Record Completeness
66%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Decreasing
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Primary Producer
Growth HabitPhysical form and structure of the plant: tree, shrub, herb, vine, epiphyte, aquatic, etc.
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Leaf TypeLeaf characteristics: deciduous (seasonal shed), evergreen, simple, compound, needle-like, etc.
--
Flowering SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Year Round
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Thrives in low-lying, periodically flooded alluvial plains, riverbanks, and coastal swamps just landward of mangrove formations. It forms dense, nearly pure, single-species forest stands known as cativales in neotropical lowlands.Light & Water NeedsSunlight intensity and moisture levels this plant needs to grow and reproduce successfully. Multi-lang
Information not available in English. Help us expand this record!BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Acts as a foundational dominant species within wetlands. Its grand structure creates an elevated nesting canopy for numerous bird species and arboreal mammals, while its specialized root systems shelter aquatic organisms during flood stages.Toxicity / UsesToxic compounds present and their documented effects on humans or other organisms. Multi-lang
Information not available in English. Help us expand this record!Physical Measures
Length (cm)
2500.0 - 5000.0 cm
Reproductive StructuresFlowers, fruits, and seeds — the reproductive organs and their seasonal appearance.
Flower Photos (Max 2)
No imageFruit Photos (Max 2)
No imageEvolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Possesses root and seedling tissue tolerances that allow it to endure long periods of anaerobic soil conditions brought about by seasonal flooding along neotropical river valleys.
Exudes massive volumes of medicinal resin that effectively seals trunk wounds against destructive wood-boring insects and pathogenic fungi prevalent in hot, high-humidity wetland lowlands.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Intensive commercial selective logging targeting cativo populations for plywood production and construction timber, which severely depletes old-growth stands.
Conversion of natural alluvial floodplains and 'cativales' into extensive monocultures such as African oil palm plantations and cattle pastures, leading to permanent habitat loss.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
The clear amber resin harvested from the trunk is traditionally used in neotropical communities as a medicinal healing agent to treat wounds, skin infections, and respiratory ailments.