A Central American tree (genus Imbuia or related) that produces a fragrant resin used in traditional medicine and varnish.
From Spanish, possibly derived from Nahuatl elements, referring to a resin-bearing tree distinct from but related to copal-producing species.
Copalche is a good example of how many different Mesoamerican trees produce resin, but only copal became famous enough that most English speakers learned its name—others like copalche stayed regional.
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