Elephant Tree, Torote Colorado, Copal
Scientific Name: Bursera microphylla A. Gray
Family: Burseraceae
Elephant Tree (Bursera microphylla), leaf and fruit, U.S.D.A. Drawing, courtesy Hunt Institute
USDA: 9-10
Frost Tolerance: Hardy in Phoenix
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Origin: Southern California, Arizona (USA), Baja California, Sonora (Mexico)
Growth Habits: Deciduous shrub or small tree, up to 14 feet tall (4.2 m)
Watering Needs: Little water when established
The Elephant Tree has a succulent trunk. Its fruits and bark are reddish brown. The pinnate leaves are aromatic with a strong scent of camphor. It loses its leaves when the temperature becomes too cold, or the ground too dry. It is one of the least cold sensitive species of this tropical family.
The name "microphylla" comes from the Greek for "tiny leaves".
The elephant tree is protected in Arizona.
Blooming Habits:
The small flowers are small, white, 5-petaled, with yellow stamens, they appear in summer. The 0.25 inch long fruits (6 mm) are 3-sided and contain one seed.
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