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RN-BRSRA-00003
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DocumentedMexicoCaudiciform

Bursera hindsiana (Benth.) Engl.

Red-bark elephant tree / Hind's Bursera

Deciduous tree or shrub in the Burseraceae family, endemic mainly to Baja California. It is distinguished from other Bursera by its brick-red to reddish-brown bark, very decorative and exfoliating. It is the most colorful-barked Bursera in the genus after Bursera fagaroides, and is highly prized in caudiciform collections for its striking appearance. It produces red aromatic resin used locally.

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Bursera hindsiana (Benth.) Engl.

© Andoni Nungaray

CC BY-SA 4.0

Family
Burseraceae
Genus
Bursera
Conservation Status
Least Concern (LC) — IUCN
Growth Habit
Large shrub to small tree, heavily branched, with reddish caudex and exfoliating bark; 1-3 m in cultivation

Overview

CategoryClassification
FamilyBurseraceae
GenusBursera
Growth HabitLarge shrub to small tree, heavily branched, with reddish caudex and exfoliating bark; 1-3 m in cultivation
Conservation StatusLeast Concern (LC) — IUCN
pH Target6.5 – 8.0
TypeGranitic and schist arid soils of Baja California; highly permeable

Origin & Habitat

Native Region
Baja California (México) y sur de California (EE.UU.); costas del Golfo de California y Pacífico en laderas áridas desde el nivel del mar hasta 600 m
Ecosystem
Caudiciform copal tree
Habitat Tags
Baja California coastal desertSarcocaule scrublandCaudiciform collection

Requirements

Recommended Substrate

Soil & Substrate

landslide
pH Target 6.5 – 8.0

Type

Granitic and schist arid soils of Baja California; highly permeable

groups Beneficial Associations

Bursera microphylla, Fouquieria columnaris, Pachycereus pringlei, Agave shawii; Baja California Pacific coast flora
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Propagation Strategy

Hard
Season: Rooting:
Hard
Season: Rooting:
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Key Tip

P

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Common Mistake

W

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Repotting

Every 3-4 years

eco
Fertilizer

A single application of diluted mineral fertilizer at the start of summer

Uses & Applications

Uses
Collection tree prized in bonsai for its ornamental red bark; red resin used as incense in traditional ceremonies in Baja California; ornamental in desert gardens of southwestern North America
Parts Used
Resin, bark
warning

Precautions / Toxicity

No documented toxicity; resin may cause mild skin irritation

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Plant Health

Severity: Low

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science

"The characteristic red bark only fully develops in mature specimens; young plants have greener bark. It is slightly more tolerant of humid coastal heat than B. microphylla."

Researcher Notes — RN-BRSRA-00003
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🟢 High
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Disclaimer

This species record is provided for educational and informational purposes only. Jardín Roca Negra does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the data. Content is community-curated and may be subject to revision; it should not replace advice from a qualified botanist. This species may be toxic, invasive, or subject to legal restrictions — verify before handling or cultivating. Jardín Roca Negra accepts no liability for any harm arising from reliance on this information. Images are reproduced under Creative Commons or equivalent free licenses; credits are noted below each image.