Viewing comments posted by RobGlen

Bursera silviae, discovered in 2008, in mountainous coastal areas of Oaxaca, Mexico is an American frankincense tree. The resin, or "copal" is reported to have a fragrant lemony smell. The bark is peeling and typical of Bursera. The plant has typical pinnate leaves of the soapwood family, This plant is said to be related to Boswellia fagaroides of Northern Mexico and Arizona of the Sonoran Desert.

An easy to grow tropical plant with no frost tolerance, Bursera silviae needs a well drained soil and a balanced fertilizer once a month. This plant is a summer grower. Grows in Zones 10a-10b....possibly 11.

I have four Bursera plants; fagaroides, hindsiana, microphylla and silviae. Silviae is my first tropical Bursera. The others in my collection are desert Bursera and grow throughout the hottest driest areas of Arizona. Silviae is a fast grower, unlike fagaroides. You can grow these plants from seed or cuttings.

Both trees died....the first tree died in July 2018. The second died in October 2018. Monrovia Tiny Tower Cypress is best suited for Zone 7-8. It needs a well drained sandy soil. I think it would do great in a coastal location. It isn't suited for the desert in Phoenix. The standard Italian Cypress does just fine here, but this dwarf version is not as tough. I talked to the nursery manager at Lowe's about how poor a performer this tree was. All of his "Monshel" Tiny Towers that remained in stock over the summer also died mysteriously. Avoid this Cypress if you are in Zone 9-10.