Torote Blanco

Basic Information

Common Name: Torote Blanco
Scientific Name: Bursera fagaroides
Native Habitat: Native to arid and semi-arid regions of Mexico (including Baja California, Sonora, Chihuahua, Coahuila, Nuevo León, San Luis Potosí, Querétaro, Guanajuato, Hidalgo, Puebla, and Oaxaca) and the southwestern United States (specifically Arizona and limited areas of California). It is typically found on rocky slopes, canyons, and alluvial fans, often in association with diverse desert scrub, chaparral, and oak woodland communities at elevations ranging from near sea level up to around 1500 meters.

History / Discovery / Cultivator

The genus Bursera is a fascinating group of trees and shrubs, predominantly found in tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, with a few species extending into Africa. These plants are perhaps most famous for their aromatic resins, which have been utilized by indigenous cultures for millennia for various purposes, including incense, medicine, and even glue. Bursera fagaroides, commonly known as Torote Blanco, White Bursera, or Elephant Tree (though that name is often applied to B. microphylla as well, B. fagaroides is sometimes called Desert Elephant Tree), is a notable member of this diverse genus.

The formal scientific description of Bursera fagaroides was made by Carl Sigismund Kunth, a German botanist who worked extensively on the plant collections amassed during the travels of Alexander von Humboldt and Aimé Bonpland in the Americas. Kunth published his description in 1824 in the work “Nova Genera et Species Plantarum,” based on specimens likely collected during Humboldt and Bonpland’s epic expedition through Mexico and other parts of Latin America between 1799 and 1804. The specific epithet “fagaroides” means “resembling Fagus“, referencing the beech tree, likely due to a superficial resemblance in leaf shape or arrangement, although Bursera is botanically unrelated to Fagus.

The Bursera genus as a whole was established by Linnaeus in 1760, named in honor of Joachim Burser, a German botanist. The Torote Blanco, Bursera fagaroides, has a long history of interaction with human populations within its native range. Indigenous peoples of Mexico and the Southwestern United States, such as the Seri, Tohono O’odham, and others, have traditionally used parts of various Bursera species, including potentially B. fagaroides, for medicinal purposes, particularly for treating cuts, wounds, and skin ailments, leveraging the antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties of the resin. The aromatic nature of the resin also made it valuable for incense and ceremonial use.

While not a major agricultural crop, Bursera fagaroides has gained popularity in horticulture, particularly in arid and xeriscape landscaping, due to its striking form, attractive exfoliating bark, and drought tolerance. It is also increasingly sought after by succulent and caudiciform plant collectors for its often swollen base (caudex) and unique aesthetic. Cultivation outside its native range began relatively recently compared to its long history of indigenous use. Specialized nurseries and plant enthusiasts who appreciate desert flora and caudiciforms have been instrumental in its spread in cultivation. There isn’t one single individual credited with “popularizing” it in the modern horticultural sense; rather, its appeal grew organically among those interested in unusual, drought-tolerant, and structurally interesting plants, particularly from the world’s arid zones. Its resilience and adaptability to container growing have also contributed to its appeal among collectors globally.

The geographical origins are firmly rooted in the Sonoran and Chihuahuan Deserts and surrounding arid zones, a region where the plant has evolved its remarkable adaptations to survive extreme heat and prolonged drought. Its discovery and formal classification represent a point where traditional knowledge and scientific inquiry intersected, leading to its recognition and eventual cultivation beyond its natural boundaries.

Plant Care Summary

Botanical Insights

Adaptations

Bursera fagaroides exhibits several remarkable adaptations that allow it to thrive in its harsh, arid native environment. One of its most striking features is its exfoliating bark, which peels away to reveal smoother, often pale green or yellowish layers beneath. This characteristic bark is not only aesthetically pleasing but also serves functional purposes, potentially reducing trunk temperature by reflecting sunlight and possibly providing a smoother surface less hospitable to some pests. Like many desert plants, it is drought-deciduous, meaning it sheds its leaves during periods of prolonged drought to conserve water. This allows it to survive long dry spells, re-leafing quickly when moisture becomes available. The plant often develops a swollen base or caudex, particularly in younger specimens or when grown in containers, which acts as a water storage organ, providing a reserve during dry periods. The resinous sap, characteristic of the Bursera genus, also likely plays a role in defense against herbivores and pathogens.

Propagation Methods

Bursera fagaroides can be propagated through several methods, with stem cuttings being the most common and often most reliable for gardeners and collectors.

1. Stem Cuttings: Take semi-hardwood or hardwood cuttings from healthy branches during the growing season. Allow the cut end to callus over for several days to a week in a dry, shady location. Plant the callused cutting in a very well-draining potting mix, such as a mix formulated for succulents or cacti. Provide warmth and minimal moisture until rooting occurs, which can take several weeks to months. Bottom heat can significantly aid root development.
2. Seed: While possible, propagation from seed is slower and the resulting plants may not always develop the prominent caudex as readily as those from cuttings. Seeds require warm temperatures to germinate and should be sown in a well-draining medium.
3. Air Layering: This method can be used on larger branches to induce rooting while the branch is still attached to the parent plant, resulting in a larger plant more quickly upon separation.

Toxicology

Information specifically on the toxicity of Bursera fagaroides to humans and pets is less extensively documented compared to more common houseplants. However, based on general information about the Bursera genus and the known properties of its resin:

• Ingestion: Ingestion of any part of the plant, while not typically listed as highly toxic or deadly, is not recommended. The resin is the most potent part and could potentially cause gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, diarrhea) if consumed. Symptoms are likely to be mild to moderate oral irritation and digestive issues.
• Skin/Contact: The resinous sap can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, similar to the reactions caused by plants like poison ivy (though chemically different). It’s advisable to wear gloves when handling broken branches or significant amounts of sap.

Compared to many common houseplants that are highly toxic, Bursera fagaroides appears to pose a lower risk, but caution should still be exercised, especially around curious pets or young children.

Common Problems

Pests:

• Spider Mites (especially in hot, dry indoor conditions)
• Mealybugs (can hide in crevices, especially on stressed plants)
• Scale Insects (less common but possible, often found on stems)

Diseases:

• Root Rot (caused by overwatering, especially in poor draining soil – the most common fatal issue)
• Fungal Spots (less common, usually related to excessive humidity or leaf wetness)

Other:

• Leaf Drop: The most common “problem,” but usually a natural response to drought, cold temperatures (below 50°F/10°C), or significant environmental changes (like moving indoors for winter). The plant is drought-deciduous.
• Soft/Mushy Stem or Caudex: A severe sign of root rot, often fatal.
• Lack of Growth: Usually due to insufficient light, insufficient heat, or the plant being dormant.

Rarity & Value

Rarity:

While Bursera fagaroides is relatively widespread in its native habitat, specific specimens with highly desirable characteristics or those available in cultivation can be considered somewhat rare or sought-after by collectors. Factors contributing to its perceived rarity in horticulture include:

• Slow Growth: Like many caudiciforms and desert shrubs, it can be slow-growing, especially when developing a significant caudex.
• Difficult Propagation: While possible from cuttings, success rates and the time it takes for a cutting to develop a substantial base can vary, making mass production of caudex-forming specimens challenging.
• Habitat Limitations: While not endangered globally, collection from the wild is often restricted, and availability is primarily through cultivation.
• Specific Forms: Specimens exhibiting a particularly well-formed or large caudex, unusual branching patterns, or vibrant bark colors are less common and thus more prized.

Value:

The market value of Bursera fagaroides can vary significantly based on several factors:

• Size and Age: Larger, older specimens, especially those with a substantial, mature caudex and well-developed branching structure, command higher prices than young seedlings or cuttings.
• Form and Aesthetic: Plants with a pronounced, attractive caudex, interesting branching, and desirable bark characteristics are more valuable to collectors. The overall ‘character’ of the plant is important.
• Provenance: Legally sourced, nursery-grown plants are generally available, but specimens from reputable growers known for high-quality, well-established plants might fetch a premium. Wild-collected plants should be avoided due to conservation concerns and legal restrictions.
• Condition: Healthy, pest-free plants in good condition are more valuable than stressed or compromised specimens.
• Market Demand: As a popular choice among succulent and caudiciform collectors, demand can influence price, particularly for desirable forms.