Bursera Microphylla

Bursera microphylla, the Elephant Tree, is native to Baja California and the Sonoran Desert in Mexico. Its most striking feature is the thick, white to ivory trunk that swells dramatically with age, contrasted by tiny, delicate leaflets—true to its name (microphylla = small-leaved). The trunk stores large amounts of water and nutrients, and damaged bark exudes a distinctive aromatic resin. Growth is very slow and while plants become large trees in habitat, container specimens remain manageable. It requires intense direct sun, high temperatures, and extremely porous soil. Restrained watering during growth and complete winter drought are appropriate. It has reasonable cold tolerance but is damaged by frost. The beauty of its pale, massive trunk and its rarity make it one of the most prized North American caudex plants.

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