Bursera microphylla or Copal oro is native to Northern Mexico, in the states of Baja California, Baja California Sur, Sinaloa, Sonora,
and Zacatecas; and the Southwestern United States, in Southern California and Arizona—especially desert regions.
description
Bursera microphylla is a small tree of the Burseraceae family with a
thickened trunk and relatively small branching structure in comparison to
the trunk size; it is semi-succulent and store water in the conductive and
parenchymal tissues of the trunk, lower limbs, and wood. The leaves are
alternate, without stipules, and are mostly once-pinnate or twice-pinnate
but can be unifoliate or trifoliate in some species. It reaches up to 10 m
(33 ft) in height and its bark is light gray to white, with younger branches
having a reddish color. The light foliage is made up of long, straight,
flat, legume-like leaves which are composed of paired leaflets. It flowers
in rounded yellow buds which open into small, star-shaped, white or cream
flowers. The fruit is a drupe containing a yellow stone.
common names & nomenclature
This tree stores water in its very thick trunk and lower limbs, which
resemble the legs of an elephant, giving rise to the common name of Elephant
Tree. The species was named for its tiny leaves; microphylla = small leaves.
Its genus name, Bursera, honors botanist Joachim Burser (1583-1649).
Also known as:
copal, pom, gum of the elephant tree
Spanish names:
torote blanco, copal,
torote colorado
