Basic Information
Common Name: Bursera hindsiana
Scientific Name: Bursera hindsiana
Native Habitat: Primarily found in Baja California Sur, Mexico, including the Baja California peninsula and nearby islands. It thrives in arid, rocky habitats such as deserts, xeric shrublands, and arroyos.
History / Discovery / Cultivator
The genus *Bursera*, commonly known as elephant trees or copperwood, is a fascinating and ecologically significant group of trees and shrubs found predominantly in the Americas, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. *Bursera hindsiana* is one of the many species within this diverse genus, and its history is intertwined with the botanical exploration of the Baja California peninsula, a region renowned for its unique and often endemic flora shaped by millions of years of isolation and arid conditions.
The scientific description of *Bursera hindsiana* is credited to George Bentham, a prominent English botanist of the 19th century. Bentham described the species in 1844, publishing his findings in the *Botany of the Voyage of H.M.S. Sulphur*. The H.M.S. Sulphur embarked on a surveying voyage around the world from 1835 to 1842, with botanical collections made in various locations, including the west coast of North America. Berthold Carl Seemann, another botanist associated with later voyages and explorations in the region, further documented species from the area. The naming of *Bursera hindsiana* honors Rear-Admiral Richard Brinsley Hinds, the captain of the H.M.S. Sulphur during part of this significant voyage, recognizing his role in facilitating the botanical collections that led to its scientific description.
The discovery of *Bursera hindsiana*, like many species from remote and challenging environments, wasn’t a single event but part of the broader systematic cataloging of global biodiversity during the age of exploration. Botanists ventured into harsh landscapes, often alongside geographical surveys, to collect, describe, and classify plant life previously unknown to science. The Baja California peninsula, with its rugged terrain and extreme climate, proved to be a rich ground for discovering species adapted to these specific conditions, including the distinctive *Bursera* species.
While specific details about early cultivation or popularization of *Bursera hindsiana* are less documented than for some other plants, its unique characteristics have drawn the attention of succulent and caudiciform plant enthusiasts in more recent times. Indigenous peoples of the Baja California region have historically interacted with the local flora, likely having traditional knowledge about *Bursera* species for various uses, although detailed ethnographic records specifically for *B. hindsiana* are not widely available in general botanical literature. Its cultivation outside its native habitat is primarily driven by collectors and botanical gardens interested in arid-land plants and caudiciforms (plants with swollen stems or roots). Cultivators appreciate its distinctive, often swollen, trunk and branches, its peeling bark, and its resilience in cultivation under appropriate conditions. The interest in conservation of arid-land ecosystems also drives efforts to understand and propagate native species like *Bursera hindsiana*, ensuring their survival both in the wild and in managed collections. Thus, while its initial “discovery” was a scientific endeavor tied to naval exploration, its popularization is a more modern phenomenon linked to specialized horticulture and ecological awareness.
Plant Care Summary
| Category | General Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Light | Full Sun | Requires direct sunlight for compact growth and healthy development. |
| Water | Infrequent | Allow soil to dry out completely between waterings. Highly susceptible to root rot if overwatered. |
| Humidity | Low | Tolerates and prefers low humidity, typical of arid environments. |
| Temp. Range | Warm to Hot | Thrives in temperatures between 65-90°F (18-32°C). Protect from frost; does not tolerate freezing. |
| Soil Type | Well-Draining | Use a gritty, porous mix specifically formulated for succulents or cacti. Excellent drainage is critical. |
| Fertilizer | Sparingly | Feed lightly once or twice during the growing season (spring/summer) with diluted succulent fertilizer. |
| Toxicity | Low / Mild | Generally considered low toxicity. Sap can be irritating to skin or eyes. Ingestion might cause mild upset. |
Botanical Insights
Adaptations
*Bursera hindsiana* exhibits several remarkable adaptations that allow it to survive and flourish in the extremely arid conditions of Baja California. Its most striking adaptation is its trunk and branches, which often become swollen and pachycaule, serving as significant water storage organs. This allows the plant to endure prolonged periods of drought by drawing upon stored reserves. The distinctive peeling bark, often thin and papery, may also play a role, potentially helping to reflect sunlight and reduce water loss from the surface, or perhaps providing a cooling effect. Like many plants in arid regions, *B. hindsiana* is deciduous, shedding its leaves during the driest parts of the year to minimize transpiration and conserve precious water. It can survive on stored water and resume growth quickly when moisture becomes available, even after long dry spells. The resinous sap present in the plant may also deter herbivores.
Propagation Methods
The most common and effective method for propagating *Bursera hindsiana* is through stem cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from healthy, mature branches. After cutting, the wound needs to callus over for several days or even weeks in a dry, shaded location to prevent rot before planting. Once callused, the cutting can be placed in a well-draining gritty soil mix. Watering should be minimal until roots begin to form, which can take several months. Providing warmth and bright indirect light encourages rooting. Propagation from seed is also possible but generally slower and less reliable, requiring fresh seed and specific germination conditions.
Toxicology
Generally, *Bursera hindsiana* is considered to have low toxicity. The genus *Bursera* is known for its fragrant, resinous sap, which is present in the tissues of *B. hindsiana*. Contact with this sap can potentially cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. If ingested, the resinous compounds could cause mild gastrointestinal upset in humans or pets (such as cats and dogs). Symptoms might include vomiting or diarrhea, but severe poisoning is not typically associated with this plant. It is not listed among the most toxic plants, but as with any plant not intended for consumption, ingestion should be avoided, and contact with the sap should be handled with care, especially by those with known sensitivities.
Common Problems
Pests:
- Spider Mites (especially in dry indoor environments)
- Mealybugs (can hide in crevices of the bark)
- Scale Insects
Diseases:
- Root Rot (most common and lethal, caused by overwatering)
- Fungal Leaf Spot (less common, usually a result of prolonged humidity or poor air circulation)
Other:
- Leaf Drop: Common and natural response to seasonal changes, drought, or stress (over/underwatering, cold).
- Wrinkling/Softening Trunk: Indicates severe dehydration; requires careful, measured watering.
- Lack of Growth: Often due to insufficient light, cold temperatures, or dormancy.
- Yellowing Leaves: Can be caused by overwatering, poor drainage, nutrient deficiency, or is a precursor to natural leaf drop.
Rarity & Value
Rarity:
In its native habitat in Baja California, *Bursera hindsiana* is relatively common within its specific ecological niche. However, outside of its native range, it can be considered moderately rare in cultivation, especially larger or mature specimens. Factors contributing to its rarity in horticulture include its relatively slow growth rate, specific care requirements mimicking an arid environment, and potentially less widespread availability compared to more common caudiciforms or succulents. It’s primarily sought after by specialist collectors of arid-land plants or caudiciforms rather than being a common nursery plant. Overcollection from the wild could pose a threat in some areas, although much of the current market relies on cultivated specimens.
Value:
The market value of a *Bursera hindsiana* specimen can vary significantly based on several factors. Size and maturity are major determinants; larger, older plants with well-developed, characterful caudex (swollen trunk/base) command much higher prices than small seedlings or cuttings. The form and aesthetics of the plant, particularly the shape and extent of the pachycaule trunk and branching structure, are highly valued by collectors. Provenance can also play a role, with legally and sustainably cultivated specimens being preferred. Current trends within the succulent and caudiciform collecting community can influence demand and price, with unique or particularly striking examples fetching premium prices. Compared to mass-produced succulents, *Bursera hindsiana* falls into a higher value category due to its slower growth, specialized appeal, and unique form.
