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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 10–11Type Shrub, TreeClimate Subtropical
Elephant Tree, Torote (Bursera Microphylla) — offering a striking focal point in xeriscaped gardens

Culture

Sun
Full, Half
Water
Low
USDA zones
10–11

Shape & size

Classification

Type
Shrub, Tree
Family
Burseraceae
Climate
Subtropical

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Photos (50)

Elephant Tree, Torote (Bursera Microphylla) — commonly called Elephant Tree or Torote; thickened trunk that stores water
Elephant Tree, Torote (Bursera Microphylla) — glossy leaves contrast against peeling red bark
Elephant Tree, Torote (Bursera Microphylla) — white flowers in the garden
Elephant Tree, Torote (Bursera Microphylla) — resembling an elephant's leg
Elephant Tree, Torote (Bursera Microphylla) — the Elephant Tree thrives in USDA hardiness zones 9 through 11
Elephant Tree, Torote (Bursera Microphylla) — shrub / tree with white blooms
Bursera Microphylla
Bursera Microphylla
Bursera Microphylla
Bursera Microphylla
Bursera Microphylla
Bursera Microphylla
Bursera Microphylla
Bursera Microphylla
Bursera Microphylla
Bursera Microphylla
Bursera Microphylla
Bursera Microphylla
Bursera Microphylla
Bursera Microphylla
Bursera Microphylla
Bursera Microphylla
Bursera Microphylla
Bursera Microphylla
Photographs by 4 contributors

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