Hymenaea verrucosa (commonly known as Zanzibar copal, East African copal, or amber tree) is a species of flowering plant in the legume family, Fabaceae.

By the 18th century, Europeans found it to be a valuable ingredient in making a good wood varnish, and it became widely used in the manufacture of furniture and carriages.

[5] By the late 19th and early 20th century, varnish manufacturers in England and America were using it on train carriages, greatly swelling its demand.

The American Civil War and the creation of the Suez Canal led to Germany, India and Hong Kong taking the majority by the end of that century.

[6] Media related to Hymenaea verrucosa at Wikimedia Commons