Bursera

Family. Burseraceae.

Origin. America, Mexico.

Description. Bursera is a medium-sized, fast-growing tree with a very thick, short trunk 60-90 cm in diameter, with several horizontal main branches at the top. The bark is grey-green, smooth, peeling off in thin parchment pieces. Young stems are purple, often with a white waxy coating. The leaves are compound, pinnately dissected, 10-20 cm long, consisting of smaller oval segments 2-5 cm long, serrated at the edges, very similar to beech leaves, arranged alternately. Damaged branches and leaves exude a pleasant citrus aroma. Some species are succulents and store water reserves in a thick trunk. The flowers are small, inconspicuous, creamy white or greenish, collected in elongated axillary racemes consisting of 3-5 petals 3-6 mm long. The fruits are dark red, elliptical, about 1.3 cm long, and ripen throughout the year.

Height. In nature, from 6 to 15 m.

Care at home

Temperature conditions

Tolerates short-term frosts down to – 4° C. By maintaining a low temperature and reducing watering during the winter months, you encourage the plant to go into a dormant period. 

Lighting

Some direct sunlight daily.

Care

Best grown outdoors in full sun from mid-May to fall to benefit from plenty of sun and warm temperatures. Bursera will eventually grow into a large tree, so it requires annual pruning in early spring. The previous year's shoots are shortened by half their length, which helps maintain a compact shape and encourages branching. When pruned, the stems exude a milky sap that gives off an intoxicating aroma. If the dormant buds seem too dry during the dormant period, you may need to increase the frequency of watering.

Substrate

Well drained with coarse sand, there are no special pH requirements.

Feeding

Every month in the summer, apply low-nitrogen fertilizers at half the concentration.

Purpose

The fragrant resin of bursera has been traditionally used in perfumery for centuries. 

Flowering time

Spring Summer.

Air humidity

There are no special requirements, it can easily tolerate the dryness of heated rooms.

Soil moisture

Bursera requires abundant watering in warm weather to stimulate faster growth. Water sparingly in winter as the plant is prone to root rot.

Transfer

As it grows and develops, replant annually into slightly larger pots. Do not disturb flowering trees during the flowering period; it is better to replant the tree after the buds have finished forming.

Reproduction

Propagated by seeds or (less commonly) cuttings. Seeds have excellent germination, regardless of the harvest season, and germinate fairly easily within 4-14 days. Plants obtained from cuttings rarely form a caudex.

Pests and diseases

Foliage falls due to excessive drought, too high or low temperatures. Large amounts of water and fertilizer make the plant lanky.

Note

Sometimes the milky sap hardens onto the stems into small beads of resin that can be added to wax to create scented candles. For medical purposes, it is used to strengthen the immune system.