Family Plant Type

Pachycormus Discolor | Pachycormus | Anacardiaceae

Discover the unique and interesting Pachycormus discolor, also known as the Baja elephant tree, torote blanco, or copalquín. This monotypic genus of flowering plants in the cashew family is native to Baja California and can grow up to 30 feet in height with an equal spread. Its thick, succulent, gnarly, and branching trunk gives it a distinctive appearance that makes it a popular choice for xeriscaping. Learn about its physical characteristics, habitat, distribution, and how to care for it. If you're looking for a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant tree that can withstand harsh desert conditions, Pachycormus discolor is an excellent choice.
Pachycormus Discolor | Pachycormus | Anacardiaceae

Pachycormus discolor - The Baja Elephant Tree

Pachycormus discolor - The Baja Elephant Tree

Overview

Pachycormus discolor, commonly known as the Baja Elephant Tree, is a monotypic genus of flowering plants in the cashew family. It is native to Baja California, Mexico, and is a popular choice for landscaping in arid regions due to its unique appearance and drought tolerance. The tree can grow up to 20-30 feet (6-9 m) tall and sometimes as wide, with a thick, succulent, gnarly, branching trunk and tiny leaves. The bark of the tree is grey or cream-colored, adding to its distinctive appearance. It is marginally frost tolerant with tip damage at 32 degrees F, and death at 25 degrees F. The plant does best in full sun.

Physical Characteristics

The Baja Elephant Tree is a large shrub or small tree that grows to 30 feet in height with an equal spread. It is a deciduous tree, shedding its leaves during the dry season to conserve water. The tree produces small, inconspicuous flowers that appear at the tips of stems. The bark of Pachycormus discolor is grey or cream-colored, and the leaves are small and deciduous. The species name, discolor, refers to the color variation in the bark of the tree.

Habitat and Distribution

Pachycormus discolor is native to Baja California and is a large shrub or small tree that can grow up to 30 feet in height with an equal spread. The trunk or multiple trunks are thick and succulent, giving it a gnarly appearance. The Baja elephant tree is marginally frost-tolerant, with tip damage occurring at 32 degrees Fahrenheit and death at 25 degrees Fahrenheit. The tree does best in full sun. It is a drought-tolerant plant that requires little water once established.

Caring for Pachycormus discolor

The Baja Elephant Tree is marginally frost tolerant, with tip damage occurring at 32 degrees Fahrenheit and death occurring at 25 degrees Fahrenheit. It does best in full sun and well-draining soil. It is a slow-growing plant and can take several years to reach its full height. The tree is also drought-tolerant and low-maintenance, making it an ideal choice for those who want a beautiful plant without a lot of upkeep.

Landscaping with Pachycormus discolor

The Baja Elephant Tree is a popular ornamental plant in arid regions due to its unique appearance and drought tolerance. It is also used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. If you are looking for a showy and interesting variety of succulent plants, Pachycormus discolor is a great choice. Its thick, gnarly trunk and small, deciduous leaves make it a unique addition to any garden or succulent collection.

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