Native Plant Database

Bursera microphylla Gray

Elephant tree, Elephant-tree

Burseraceae (Frankincense Family)

USDA Symbol: BUMI

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

Elephant-tree is an aromatic, tree-like shrub, from 3- 15 ft. in height, with crooked, tapering branches that suggest the shape of an elephant’s trunk. Aromatic shrub or tree with short, very thick, sharply tapered trunk with stout, crooked, tapering branches and a widely spreading but sparse, open crown. Young branches are smooth, reddish-brown; the older bark exfoliates in flakes. Pinnate leaves are deciduous. Small flowers are followed by a hanging, drupe-like fruit.

As the common name suggests, the stout trunk and branches recall the legs and trunk of an elephant. The northernmost representative of a small tropical family, it is very susceptible to frost; young plants are killed back by cold weather. The innermost bark exudes a reddish sap used as dye and tannin.

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