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Elephant Tree, Torote

Bursera Microphylla

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Overview

The Bursera microphylla, commonly called Elephant Tree or Torote, is a unique desert plant native to the Southwestern US and Northwestern Mexico. This drought-tolerant tree features a distinctive, thickened trunk that stores water, resembling an elephant's leg. With a height of 10-15 feet and a canopy spread of up to 12 feet, its small, glossy leaves contrast against peeling red bark, offering a striking focal point in xeriscaped gardens.

Sun Full, HalfWater LowZones 10–11Climate Subtropical
Elephant Tree, Torote (Bursera Microphylla) — commonly called Elephant Tree or Torote
Elephant Tree, Torote (Bursera Microphylla) — is a unique desert plant native to the Southwestern US and Northwestern MexicoElephant Tree, Torote (Bursera Microphylla) — This drought-tolerant tree features a distinctiveElephant Tree, Torote (Bursera Microphylla) — With a height of 10-15 feet and a canopy spread of up to 12 feetElephant Tree, Torote (Bursera Microphylla) — thickened trunk that stores waterElephant Tree, Torote (Bursera Microphylla) — resembling an elephant's legElephant Tree, Torote (Bursera Microphylla) — offering a striking focal point in xeriscaped gardens+23

Culture

Sun
Full, Half
Water
Low
USDA zones
10–11

Shape & size

Classification

Family
Burseraceae
Climate
Subtropical

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Photos (30)

Elephant Tree, Torote (Bursera Microphylla) — commonly called Elephant Tree or Torote
Elephant Tree, Torote (Bursera Microphylla) — is a unique desert plant native to the Southwestern US and Northwestern Mexico
Elephant Tree, Torote (Bursera Microphylla) — This drought-tolerant tree features a distinctive
Elephant Tree, Torote (Bursera Microphylla) — With a height of 10-15 feet and a canopy spread of up to 12 feet
Elephant Tree, Torote (Bursera Microphylla) — thickened trunk that stores water
Elephant Tree, Torote (Bursera Microphylla) — resembling an elephant's leg
Elephant Tree, Torote (Bursera Microphylla) — offering a striking focal point in xeriscaped gardens
Elephant Tree, Torote (Bursera Microphylla) — glossy leaves contrast against peeling red bark
Elephant Tree, Torote (Bursera Microphylla) — commonly referred to as the Elephant Tree or Torote
Elephant Tree, Torote (Bursera Microphylla) — with a spread that often matches or exceeds their height
Elephant Tree, Torote (Bursera Microphylla) — water-storing trunk and branches that give the appearance of an elephant's legs
Elephant Tree, Torote (Bursera Microphylla) — compound leaves that are drought-deciduous - meaning they'll drop during dry spells
Elephant Tree, Torote (Bursera Microphylla) — creating a rounded canopy
Elephant Tree, Torote (Bursera Microphylla) — gray trunk is a notable characteristic
Elephant Tree, Torote (Bursera Microphylla) — but regenerate after significant rainfall
Elephant Tree, Torote (Bursera Microphylla) — The leaves themselves measure about 1 to 2 inches long
Elephant Tree, Torote (Bursera Microphylla) — and during the summer months
Elephant Tree, Torote (Bursera Microphylla) — inconspicuous white flowers
Elephant Tree, Torote (Bursera Microphylla) — the Elephant Tree thrives in USDA hardiness zones 9 through 11
Elephant Tree, Torote (Bursera Microphylla) — It prefers full sun and tolerates poor, well-draining soils
Elephant Tree, Torote (Bursera Microphylla) — Its low water requirement once established makes it a sustainable option for water-wise gardens
Elephant Tree, Torote (Bursera Microphylla) — Minimal pruning is required to maintain its unique shape
Elephant Tree, Torote (Bursera Microphylla) — requiring only occasional deep watering during extremely dry conditions
Elephant Tree, Torote (Bursera Microphylla) — low-maintenance specimen for the discerning landscape designer or homeowner