What is Bursera?

Included in the Burseceae family, the Burser genus includes small flowering shrubs and trees. The shrubs come from the tropical areas of America and are related to the incense and myrrh. Most trees have thickened trunks with patterned bark. The bark sends a strong odor when oils are released when cut. One tree, Bursera grows slowly, making it a main choice for juicy bonsai trees. J. Burser, a botanist from the 17th century, first identified the Burser family, which bears his name. Even in tropical areas they lose leaves during winter and drought. Bursera trees produce very small flowers in the spring, which later develop into small berries. Seeds or cuttings are the most common methods of spreading. More than 50 different Burseryd species with mostly growing mainly in Mexico have been identified.

Bursera Simaruba or Gumbo-Limbo is originally from the Southeast USA and thanks to its hurricane resistance thrives in TroPick areas. In addition to its popularity as a shadow and ornamental tree, its rubber resin is used in Western India to produce glue, varnish and canoe. DNA treatments are performed from the sap, while the leaves are cooked into medicinal tea. Gumbo-Limbo Wood is used to make matches, toothpicks, boxes and fence posts. This tree is easy to spread and fence contributions often root and grow.

Several different types of Bursery are referred to as elephants. These flowering shrubs prefer arid, desert areas of the southwest US and Mexico. The trunks and branches are short and hard, reminiscent of elephants and suitcases. Depending on the type of elephant tree, it grows to 10 and 16 feet (about 3 to 5 meters) with an open crown. The elongated leaves are boring, light green and are approximately 1 inch (2.5 cm) long.

Bursera microphylla , also known as Torote or Torote Colorado , is another member of the Aromatic Burseceae family. It also grows well in desertSouthwest US and Mexico areas, but grow to a much higher height of 25 feet (about 7.5 meters) with slightly larger leaves than the elephant tree. The most visible features Torote are red, twisted branches and an excessive suitcase filled with water. It creates small creamy flowers and berries of beans that contain several seeds.