Basic Information
Common Name: Elephant Tree
Scientific Name: Bursera microphylla
Native Habitat: Native to the southwestern United States (specifically southeastern California and Arizona), Baja California, Sonora, and northwestern Mexico. It is commonly found in arid environments, including deserts, rocky slopes, and canyon bottoms.
History / Discovery / Cultivator
The Elephant Tree, Bursera microphylla, is a charismatic plant deeply rooted in the landscapes and history of the Sonoran Desert region. Its name, Bursera, honors Danish botanist Joachim Burser, while microphylla refers to its small leaves, a characteristic adaptation to its arid environment. This species belongs to the Burseraceae family, often known as the incense tree family due to the aromatic resins many of its members produce.
Indigenous peoples of the regions where Bursera microphylla grows have long known and utilized this plant. Its resinous bark, known for its distinct, pleasant fragrance, has been traditionally used for various purposes, including medicinal applications, incense for ceremonial use, and potentially as a sealant or adhesive. The succulent, often swollen trunk and branches are a prominent feature of the desert landscape, making the plant easily recognizable and likely observed by inhabitants for millennia. While specific historical accounts detailing its “discovery” by Western science can be difficult to pinpoint to a single moment or individual, botanical exploration of the North American deserts intensified in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Botanists collecting and classifying species during this period would have documented Bursera microphylla as part of the broader effort to understand the unique flora of the arid Southwest and Mexico.
Cultivation of the Elephant Tree outside its native range, particularly as an ornamental or bonsai specimen, is a more recent phenomenon driven by its unique appearance and resilience. Its striking, often pachycaul (swollen-stemmed) form, peeling bark, and delicate foliage make it highly desirable for xeriscaping and container gardening, especially in arid or semi-arid climates. While there isn’t a single historical “cultivator” credited with popularizing it globally in the way some fruit trees or agricultural crops have, its appeal has grown organically among enthusiasts of desert plants, succulent collectors, and bonsai practitioners. Nurseries specializing in native or arid-adapted plants have played a key role in making Bursera microphylla available to the public. Its slow growth rate and specific environmental requirements mean it is not as widely cultivated as many common garden plants, often being sought after by those with an appreciation for its sculptural form and hardy nature. The increasing interest in drought-tolerant landscaping and unique botanical specimens continues to elevate the profile of the Elephant Tree in cultivation. Its history is less about a single discovery and more about a long, intertwined relationship with the land and its people, followed by a growing appreciation in modern horticulture for its aesthetic and ecological value.
Plant Care Summary
| Category | General Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Light | Full Sun | Requires direct sunlight for best growth and compact form. |
| Water | Low to Moderate | Allow soil to dry out between waterings; very sensitive to overwatering, especially in winter. |
| Humidity | Low | Thrives in dry, desert-like conditions. |
| Temp. Range | 50-100°F+ (10-38°C+) | Frost tender; protect from freezing temperatures. Dormant in winter. |
| Soil Type | Well-draining | Use sandy or gritty succulent/cactus mix; avoids waterlogging. |
| Fertilizer | Minimal/Infrequent | Feed lightly 1-2 times during the growing season (spring/summer) with a balanced liquid feed. |
| Toxicity | Minimal/Non-toxic | Generally considered non-toxic or with very low toxicity. Primarily known for aromatic resin. |
Botanical Insights
Adaptations
Bursera microphylla exhibits several remarkable adaptations allowing it to thrive in harsh desert environments. Its most notable feature is its pachycaul (thick-stemmed) trunk and branches, which serve as water storage organs, crucial during prolonged dry periods. The outer bark is thin and peels in papery layers, which may help reflect sunlight and regulate temperature. The small, compound leaves (hence microphylla) reduce the surface area exposed to the sun, minimizing water loss through transpiration. These leaves are deciduous during drought or cold periods, allowing the plant to conserve moisture by shutting down metabolic activity. The plant also possesses an extensive, shallow root system to quickly capture sparse rainfall. The aromatic resin contained within the bark may also play a role in deterring herbivores.
Propagation Methods
The primary methods for propagating Bursera microphylla are from seed or stem cuttings. Seed propagation is possible but can be slow and germination rates may vary. Seeds should be sown in a well-draining mix after any necessary stratification (though often not required for desert species). Stem cuttings are often the preferred method for retaining genetic characteristics. Cuttings should be taken from semi-hardwood and allowed to callus for several days or weeks in a dry, shaded area before being placed in a well-draining rooting medium. Providing bottom heat can encourage rooting. Propagation is best attempted during the active growing season (warm months).
Toxicology
Information regarding the toxicity of Bursera microphylla is limited, but it is generally considered to have low or negligible toxicity to humans and common pets like cats and dogs. The plant is known for its aromatic resin, which is not typically ingested in large quantities. While sap or resin from some plants can cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals, Bursera microphylla is not commonly listed among plants with significant toxic properties. Ingesting plant material, especially large amounts, can potentially cause mild digestive upset in pets, but severe poisoning is not expected based on available information. It is primarily valued for its form and aroma rather than being known for toxic compounds.
Common Problems
Pests:
- Spider Mites (especially in dry indoor conditions or during drought)
- Scale Insects
- Mealybugs
Diseases:
- Root Rot (most common problem, caused by overwatering or poor drainage)
- Fungal Leaf Spot (less common, usually related to excessive moisture)
Other:
- Leaf Drop: Typically a sign of drought stress or cold temperatures, as the plant is deciduous during unfavorable conditions.
- Soft, Mushy Stem: Indicates severe overwatering and root rot, often fatal if not addressed quickly.
- Lack of Growth: Often due to insufficient light, cold temperatures, or lack of water during the active growing season.
Rarity & Value
Rarity:
Bursera microphylla is not considered globally rare in the wild, being relatively common in its native range. However, mature specimens, especially those with particularly striking or aesthetically pleasing forms (like pronounced pachycaul trunks), can be less common and highly sought after. Cultivation can be slow, adding to the time required to produce large, desirable specimens. Plants offered for sale are often grown from cuttings or seed, and developing the characteristic thick trunk takes many years, contributing to the perceived rarity of mature examples in horticulture.
Value:
The market value of a Bursera microphylla specimen is heavily influenced by its size, age, and form. Small, young plants grown from seed or cuttings are relatively inexpensive. Larger, older specimens, especially those with a well-developed, sculptural pachycaul trunk and branching structure suitable for bonsai or specimen planting, command significantly higher prices. The aesthetic quality of the bark (its peeling layers), the overall health of the plant, and its provenance (if it was expertly grown or trained) can also add to its value. Demand from collectors of arid-land plants and bonsai enthusiasts also plays a role in pricing.
