Bursera Fagaroides
Other names: Fragrant Bursera, Elephant tree, Fragrant elephant tree
Harm score: 1 (Natural substances)
Bursera Fagaroides, also known as Fragrant Bursera, Elephant tree or Fragrant elephant tree, is a type of tree found primarily in the arid regions of the southwestern United States, Mexico and parts of Central America. It is a species in the Burseraceae family. This plant is very tolerant of the extreme weather typical of desert and semi-desert climates, coping with both unbearable heat and freezing temperatures. The tree has prominent thick stems and branches that serve as a water storage area. It is an adaptation to desert life. The cloves and bark, which can resemble elephant skin in texture, are covered with a special aromatic resin, hence some of its alternative names.
These aromatic resins are used extensively by indigenous cultures to produce a variety of scented products and incense. Bursera Fagaroides products are prized for their intense and pleasant scent, which is released when the incense is burnt. Fragrant elephant tree bark is also crushed and used as a natural home air purifier. It is also often used by the locals to treat various kinds of skin diseases. The powder of the bark is used to treat rashes, irritations and other skin problems. Interestingly, the resins from this tree are also used in the construction of violins.