Bursera copallifera
Care, watering, light and tips for Bursera copallifera on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Burseraceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 15 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
About Bursera copallifera
Bursera copallifera, known as copal ancho, is a deciduous tree native to Mexico, valued for its thick, branched trunk and aromatic, exfoliating bark. Its pinnate leaves and sculptural form make it ideal for desert landscapes or as a focal point in xeriscape gardens. Its resin has been traditionally used for incense and medicinal purposes.
Native range
Mexico
Care tips
It requires full sun for optimal growth and good flowering. Watering should be sparse to moderate, allowing the substrate to dry out completely between waterings, especially in winter to prevent root rot. It prefers well-drained, sandy or rocky soils, with low organic matter. A common mistake is overwatering, which can be fatal for this drought-tolerant species.
How to save a dying Bursera copallifera
- Warning signs
- Yellowing or massive leaf drop, soft/wrinkled stems, loss of resin.
- First aid
- Move to semi-shade, reduce watering to minimum, check drainage, prune dead/diseased parts.
- What kills it
- Overwatering (root rot) or prolonged lack of direct sunlight (weakens).
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if roots are not fully rotted and stem retains firmness.