Fragrant Elephant tree from Baja, Mexico. A small drought adapted tree with a swollen stem and interesting flaking papery bark. Fragrant leaves and the aromatic Copal resin is used in incense. A good Bonsai species or as a specimen in a large vase. Grows well in the Algarve easily reaching 3 metres in a few years and could grow eventually to 8 - 10 metres high in time.

Bursera fagarioides is a pachycaul shrub or small tree (a plant with a disproportionately thick trunk for their height) and they often form sculptural multi-stemmed specimens. They are hardy down to -4C but they need a free draining soil or one that stays dry in winter, such as on a slope or on rocky outcrops. They are winter deciduous, however this is when they reveal their attractive bark, a tight and shiny stem varying from a red/brown to olive green, with peeling, flaky paper-like sections. They are not spiny despite their appearance and the foliage is aromatic when crushed.