No images found for this plant ID: 6721.
Ensure images are uploaded to the Media Library and tagged with "6721" in the "plant_image_tag" taxonomy.
Bursera: Aromatic Trees and Shrubs
The genus Bursera, named in honor of the Danish botanist Joachim Burser (1583-1639), encompasses approximately 100 described species of flowering shrubs and trees.
Considerations for Pets
- Some Bursera species, like Bursera microphylla, have bark that is described as extremely aromatic. The specific chemical compounds responsible for the aroma may vary among species.
- Bursera fagaroides has leaves that release a citrus odor when crushed.
- Several species, including Bursera simaruba, possess resinous bark.
Considerations for Children
- Some Bursera species, like Bursera microphylla, have bark that is described as extremely aromatic. The specific chemical compounds responsible for the aroma may vary among species.
- Bursera fagaroides has leaves that release a citrus odor when crushed.
- Several species, including Bursera simaruba, possess resinous bark.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Bursera Jacq. ex L.
- Family: Burseraceae (Frankincense Family)
- Order: Sapindales (Soapwood Order)
- Synonyms/Alternative Names: None explicitly mentioned, but the text notes that the official name is Bursera, implying that other names might have been used unofficially.
- Examples of species mentioned:
- Bursera altijuga
- Bursera delpechiana
- Bursera fagaroides
- Bursera graveolens
- Bursera hindsiana
- Bursera longipes
- Bursera microphylla
- Bursera schlechtendalii
- Bursera simaruba
Common Names
- Bursera microphylla: Elephant Tree
- Bursera simaruba: gumbo-limbo, copperwood, chaca, turpentine tree
- Bursera fagaroides: torchwood copal, fragrant bursera, Elephant Tree
- Bursera graveolens: Palo Santo, Palo de la vida o Santo, Sacred Wood, Holy wood, St. Anthony`s wood, Palosanto, Mallka Waki
- Bursera delpechiana: Indian lavender
Distribution and Habitat
- Bursera is a New World genus, primarily found in tropical America, with a center of diversity in Mexico.
- Specific locations mentioned include the Sonoran Desert (B. microphylla), northwestern Mexico and Baja California (B. fagaroides), and St Catherine Parish (specific species not identified).
- They grow in dry forests, thickets, and woodlands, often on limestone near the sea.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Bursera species can be flowering shrubs or trees.
- Bursera graveolens is described as a large semievergreen tree with an open, irregular to rounded crown, potentially reaching 60 feet in height and spread.
- Bursera microphylla is characterized by its reddish-brown twigs and pinnate leaves with minute, regularly arranged leaflets. It also has peeling tan bark.
- Bursera fagaroides has a thick caudex.
Ecological Role
- Bursera graveolens is mentioned as a promising tree for the restoration of tropical dry forests.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Beetles of the genus Blepharida are specialized herbivores of Bursera. The two genera have co-evolved.
Quirky Facts
- Bursera fagaroides leaves release a delightful citrus odor when crushed.
- Bursera delpechiana is a source of linalool and was introduced to India from Mexico in the early 20th century.
Further Information
- Raintree Tropical Plant Database (for Bursera simaruba)
- USDA Plants Database (for Bursera)
- Maya Ethnobotanicals (for Bursera graveolens)
- EEB Greenhouse Accession Data (for Bursera microphylla)