Pachycormus discolor


Pachycormus is a monotypic genus of flowering plants in the cashew family. The generic name refers to pachy for "thick" and kormos for "stump," referring to the thick caudiciform trunk. The specific epithet dis refers to a negation of color. The single species is Pachycormus discolor endemic to the Baja California peninsula.
Called the Baja elephant tree, torote blanco, or copalquín, plants are grown in containers by caudiciform succulent aficionados. There are 2 to 3 subspecies. Only seed grown specimens develop the caudex. Note: the common name "elephant tree" is also applied to Bursera microphylla as well as other species.

Description

Trees to 20 feet tall and as wide, marginally frost tolerant with tip damage at 32 degrees F, death at 25 degrees F. Plants do best in full sun. Exfoliating white outer bark reveals blue-green, photosynthetic inner bark. Leaves dark green, pinnately compound, pubescent, drought deciduous. Cream flowers with pink centers appear in May, and can bloom into September, depending on moisture levels.

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