Bursera microphylla
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| Bursera microphylla | ||||||||||||||
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| Bursera microphylla Gray |
Bursera microphylla is a tree in genus Bursera known by the common name elephant tree. This tree is native to Mexico and southern California and Arizona in the United States, especially desert regions. It reaches a maximum of four meters in height and is light gray to white, with younger branches a reddish color. The light foliage is made up of long, straight, flat, legume-like leaves which are composed of paired leaflets. It flowers in rounded yellow buds which open into small, star-shaped white or cream flowers. The fruit is a drupe containing a yellow stone.
[edit] Uses
According to the Cahuilla indians, the red sap of the Elephant Tree was used as a panacea (general remedy) (Lowell John Bean:1972).
