Desert pachycaul shrub or tree from the frankincense family with fragrant, pinnate leaves. Capable of growing to several meters tall, but often dwarfed or bonsai'd in habitat. New stem growth is red, fading to gray, with exfoliating papery bark. Displays a marked seasonal growth pattern (depending on rainfall) but is not strictly deciduous unless subjected to extended drought. In Baja California this plant tends to be a winter grower and summer deciduous.

Sonoran Desert native, from northwestern Mexico and the far southwestern US. Called elephant tree in the US and torote in Mexico. Has supposed medicinal uses. Not to be confused with the very similar Pachycormus (the Baja elephant tree, copalquín or torote blanco) from the cashew family, which is endemic to Baja California. Both have the best form when grown hard and dry in full sun.

Reply to this comment