Bursera fagaroides Elephant Tree Caudex MD

This member of the Burseraceae family was described by Heinrich Gustav Adolf Engler in 1883. It is found in the North-Western part of Mexico, and up to Arizona, where the winters are mild due to the marine influence. Growing in well-drained soil with little water and lots of sun, the stem can grow to 15 inches or more in diameter, and will reach up to 24 feet high. However, the trunk rarely grows straight, and is usually twisted and laying horizontally just above the ground. The flowers are crème to greenish in color, and the plant can be reproduced both by the small red seeds and by cuttings. This Bursera fagaroides has developed a swollen trunk, and is a great specimen. The leaves may arrive dry, but the plant will still be alive. New leaves will appear once the plant is re-established. Like ocotillos, Bursera trees drop their leaves under stressed conditions. However, when the humidity returns to the desert, the plant springs back to life with a new set of leaves. So it can drop or sprout leaves any time during the year. Protect from frost.