fragrant bursera Burseraceae Bursera fagaroides (Kunth) Engler symbol: BUFA Leaf: Alternate, pinnate, drought deciduous; 5-11 broadly lanceolate, entire, toothed or serrate, 1/2 to 1 1/2 inch long, aromatic leaflets per leaf, 4 inches overall, distinct citrus odor when crushed. Flower: Small, creamy white, borne on long stalks, may be clustered or solitary. Fruit: Gray-brown, maturing late fall, 1/3 inch long, splitting open at maturity. Twig: Resinous and stout, reddish brown. Bark: Tight and smooth, very attractive, reddish brown and peeling to reveal gray-green. Form: A shrub or small tree, to 16 feet, widespreading, with a very short, thick, trunk. Looks like: copal - elephant tree - torote blanco Additional Range Information: Bursera fagaroides is native to North America. Range may be expanded by planting. See states reporting fragrant bursera. External Links: USDA Plants Database © Copyright 2016, Virginia Tech Dept. of Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation, all rights reserved. Photos and text by: John Seiler, Edward Jensen, Alex Niemiera, and John Peterson