ABSTRACT Copaifera sabulicola is an endemic species of the central-western region of Bahia and extreme north of Minas Gerais and still has gaps in botanical information. The present work anatomically characterized the leaflet and petiolule of C. sabulicola, with emphasis on the secretory structures and histolocalized the biologically active substances. Leaf samples were fixed in FNT, dehydrated in ethyl series and included in methacrylate. The histological sections were stained with toluidine blue and mounted on a permanent slide. Histochemical and phytochemical tests, dissociation and diaphanization of foliolar lamina were performed. Secretory cavities were found along the mesophyll, the central vein and the petiole. Vascular bundles surrounded by fibrous sheath and ornate cuticle were observed in the central vein and foliolar border. Phenolic compounds, alkaloids, proteins and structural lipids were detected in the histochemical tests, and in the phytochemical analysis, cathectic tannins, flavones, flavonoids, xanthones, steroids and terpenoids were detected. These characters help in the correct identification of the species.