Fragrant bursera (Bursera fagaroides, Bot. Jahrb. Syst. 1:44. 1880 (A. L. P. P. de Candolle & A. C. de Candolle, Monogr. phan. 4:48. 1883))

Family: Burseraceae

Author: Engl.

Bibliography: Bot. Jahrb. Syst. 1:44. 1880 (A. L. P. P. de Candolle & A. C. de Candolle, Monogr. phan. 4:48. 1883)

Year: 1883

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Bursera

Vegetable: False

Observations: Florida, Mexico

Description

Fragrant Bursera (Bursera fagaroides)

Fragrant bursera, known scientifically as Bursera fagaroides, is a member of the Burseraceae family. It is renowned for its aromatic properties and has been appreciated across various regions, particularly in Florida and Mexico.

This plant was first described by the famed botanists A. L. P. P. de Candolle and A. C. de Candolle in their seminal work, published in Bot. Jahrb. Syst. in 1880 and further elaborated in their Monogr. phan. in 1883. The scientific community formally attributes its classification to Engler, a notable authority in botany.

Fragrant bursera is primarily recognized for its distinct scent, which has carved a niche for it in both natural landscapes and cultivated gardens. It is often found in dry, sunny environments, thriving in regions that offer ample sunlight and well-drained soil conditions.

The plant’s foliage and bark are infused with essential oils that emit a pleasing fragrance, which not only enhances its desirability but also adds to its functional uses. Historically, the aromatic resin extracted from Bursera fagaroides has been utilized in traditional practices for its calming properties and in various cultural rituals.

In addition to its olfactory appeal, this species is also appreciated for its aesthetic value. The Fragrant bursera features a rounded canopy of leaves, which can serve as an attractive focal point in garden landscapes. While it is admired primarily in its native range, its resilient nature allows it to adapt well to similar climates outside of its indigenous habitats.

Overall, Bursera fagaroides stands out as a remarkable species within the Burseraceae family, highly valued for both its fragrance and its visual appeal. Its presence in botanic literature and continued relevance in horticulture underline its significance and the enduring legacy of the detailed work of past botanists.

Common Names

Eng: copal, fragrant bursera, elephant tree
En: Fragrant bursera, Copal, Elephant Tree

Synonyms

• Bursera obovata (Turcz.)
• Bursera covillei ((Rose) Engl.)
• Terebinthus odorata ((Brandegee) Rose)
• Bursera purpusii (Brandegee)
• Elaphrium schaffneri ((S.Watson) Rose)
• Elaphrium fagaroides (Kunth)
• Elaphrium purpusii ((Brandegee) Rose)
• Elaphrium lonchophyllum ((Sprague & L.Riley) J.G.Ortega)
• Bursera fagaroides f. bourgeauana (Engl.)
• Bursera lonchophylla (Sprague & L.Riley)
• Bursera fagaroides f. elliptica (Engl.)
• Bursera fagaroides f. crenulata (Engl.)
• Terebinthus schaffneri ((S.Watson) Rose)
• Bursera odorata (Brandegee)
• Bursera fagaroides var. purpusii ((Brandegee) McVaugh & Rzed.)
• Terebinthus fagaroides ((Kunth) W.Wight ex Rose)
• Bursera fagaroides var. elongata (McVaugh & Rzed.)
• Amyris fagaroides (Spreng.)
• Amyris ventricosa (La Llave ex Schltdl.)
• Bursera fagaroides f. ramosissima (Engl.)
• Bursera aptera (Ramírez)
• Bursera schaffneri (S.Watson)
• Bursera tenuifolia (Rose)
• Elaphrium covillei (Rose)
• Elaphrium obovatum ((Turcz.) Rose)
• Elaphrium tenuifolium (Rose)
• Elaphrium odoratum ((Brandegee) Rose)

Distribution

• Arizona (native)
• Florida (native)
• Mexico Central (native)
• Mexico Gulf (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)
• Mexico Southeast (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Nov 5, 2021 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 6, 2022 by el_smokito el_smokito (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Jul 23, 2021 by Mauricio León Carreño (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 23, 2021 by Mauricio León Carreño (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jul 2, 2015 by EOL − Opuntia Cadereytensis (cc-by-nc)

Taken Apr 26, 2015 by EOL − Jordan Golubov (cc-by-nc)

Taken Nov 6, 2014 by EOL − Leticia Soriano Flores (cc-by-nc)

Taken Oct 22, 2015 by EOL − Wynn Anderson (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Oct 14, 2015 by EOL − lupis1388 (cc-by-nc)

Bark

Taken Jul 6, 2022 by el_smokito el_smokito (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 6, 2022 by el_smokito el_smokito (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 30, 2015 by EOL − Opuntia Cadereytensis (cc-by-nc)

Taken Oct 22, 2015 by EOL − Wynn Anderson (cc-by-nc-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Fruit

Taken Jul 6, 2022 by el_smokito el_smokito (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 26, 2014 by EOL − Wynn Anderson (cc-by-nc-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:30045017-2)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3190449)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Bursera fagaroides (Kunth) Engl.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Tree, Shrub

Growth