Accession Count: 0
Common Name:
bursera
Family Name:
Burseraceae
Botanical Name:
Bursera schlechtendalii
Sub Species:
Variety:
Forma:
Cultivar:
Characteristics:
Bursera schlechtendalii is a tuberous shrub or tree. This woody succulent has smooth bark that flacks off in layers when growing. It can grow to about five feet. The branches are silvery, dark-grey and have small, unifoliate leaves that group at the apex. During the dry season (Jan - Feb) very small cream-colored flowers grow in axillary clusters to the leaves.Then they produce drupes that are smaller than half an inch. When the fruit matures they turn bright red and will spontaneously open (1).
Compound:
Bur sch
Geographic Origin:
Mexico
Ecozone Origin:
Neotropic
Biome Origin:
Natural History:
The Bursera schlechtendalii, this member of the Burseraceae family was given this name by Heinrich Gustav Adolf Engler in 1883 (2). This plant is endemic to Mexico where it "inhabits tropical deciduous forests at altitudes of 1600 to 5250 ft of the Balsas and papaloapan river basin in the states of Mexico, Michoacan, Guerrero, Puebla, Morelos, and Oaxaca (5)." This specimen has been distributed to Bostonia, Califonia (3).
Cultivation Notes:
Bursera schlechtendalii are relatively easy to grow, they prefer well drained soils with inorganic materials, like pumic or periltie. Best results for a healthy growth starts from a seed, germination from a seed takes 7- 10 days. However, if you desire to form a fat trunk quickly start from a cutting. For best results grow this plant in full sunlight. Keep the soil lightly damp when watering and fertilizing. Prune about twice a year. When pruning look for leggy branches, removing these will thicken the trunk (4).
Ethnobotany:
The Bursera schlechtendalii is used form many aliments in the human body. The gum resin is used to help cure flatulence and tooth ache. The seeds of the fruits are used to treat the flu (5). This plant is often prized for its ability to be used in the practice of bonzai (4).
Height:
0 - 5 feet
Width:
0 - 5 feet
Growth Rate:
Slow Growing
Grow Season:
Summer
Flower Season:
Spring
Color:
Yellow
Function:
Habitat
Spread:
Non-spreading
Allergen:
Non-allergenic
Invasive:
Benign
Toxicity:
Benign
Hardy:
Semi-hardy
Water Use:
Low water Use
