120 Species of Genus Bursera

The Aromatic World of Bursera: A Personal Exploration

The air hangs heavy with the scent of pine and citrus, a unique aroma that transports me back to my childhood explorations in the dry forests of Mexico. It’s the unmistakable fragrance of Bursera, a genus of trees and shrubs that has captivated me with its beauty, resilience, and diverse array of species.

As a botanist, I’ve always been drawn to the intricate world of plants, but Bursera holds a special place in my heart. Perhaps it’s the way their smooth, peeling bark shimmers in the sunlight, or maybe it’s the resinous sap that oozes from their wounds, filling the air with its pungent perfume. Whatever the reason, I find myself continually drawn to these fascinating plants.

A Diverse Genus

Bursera is a large genus, boasting over 100 recognized species. These range from small shrubs to towering trees, each with its own unique characteristics and adaptations. Some, like the elephant tree (Bursera microphylla), have thick, succulent trunks that allow them to thrive in arid environments. Others, like Bursera simaruba, are known for their vibrant red bark, which peels away in papery sheets, revealing a smooth, green layer beneath.

Here’s a list of Bursera species:

  1. Bursera altijuga Rzed., Calderón & Medina
  2. Bursera amplifolia Rusby
  3. Bursera angustata C.Wright ex Griseb.
  4. Bursera aptera Ramírez
  5. Bursera arida (Rose) Standl.
  6. Bursera ariensis (Kunth) McVaugh & Rzed.
  7. Bursera aromatica Proctor
  8. Bursera aspleniifolia Brandegee
  9. Bursera attenuata (Rose) L.Riley
  10. Bursera bicolor (Willd. ex Schltdl.) Engl.
  11. Bursera biflora (Rose) Standl.
  12. Bursera bipinnata (Moc. & Sessé ex DC.) Engl.
  13. Bursera bolivarii Rzed.
  14. Bursera bonetii Rzed.
  15. Bursera brunea (Urb.) Urb. & Ekman
  16. Bursera cerasiifolia Brandegee
  17. Bursera chemapodicta Rzed. & E.Ortíz
  18. Bursera cinerea Engl.
  19. Bursera citronella McVaugh & Rzed.
  20. Bursera collina Brandegee
  21. Bursera confusa (Rose) Engl.
  22. Bursera copallifera (Moc. & Sessé ex DC.) Bullock
  23. Bursera coyucensis Bullock
  24. Bursera crenata Paul G.Wilson
  25. Bursera cuneata (Schltdl.) Engl.
  26. Bursera denticulata McVaugh & Rzed.
  27. Bursera discolor Rzed.
  28. Bursera diversifolia Rose
  29. Bursera dubia Bullock
  30. Bursera epinnata (Rose) Engl.
  31. Bursera esparzae Rzed., Calderón & Medina
  32. Bursera excelsa (Kunth) Engl.
  33. Bursera exequielii León de la Luz
  34. Bursera fagaroides (Kunth) Engl.
  35. Bursera filicifolia Brandegee
  36. Bursera fragilis S.Watson
  37. Bursera fragrantissima Bullock
  38. Bursera frenningiae Correll
  39. Bursera galeottiana Engl.
  40. Bursera gibarensis M.C.Martínez, Daly & J.Pérez
  41. Bursera glabra (Jacq.) Triana & Planch.
  42. Bursera glabrifolia (Kunth) Engl.
  43. Bursera glauca Griseb.
  44. Bursera gracilipes Urb. & Ekman
  45. Bursera grandifolia (Schltdl.) Engl.
  46. Bursera graveolens (Kunth) Triana & Planch.
  47. Bursera heliae Rzed. & Calderón
  48. Bursera heteresthes Bullock
  49. Bursera heterophylla Engl.
  50. Bursera hindsiana (Benth.) Engl.
  51. Bursera hintonii Bullock
  52. Bursera hollickii (Britton) Fawc. & Rendle
  53. Bursera inaguensis Britton
  54. Bursera infernidialis Guevara & Rzed.
  55. Bursera instabilis McVaugh & Rzed.
  56. Bursera inversa Daly
  57. Bursera isthmica Rzed. & Calderón
  58. Bursera itzae Lundell
  59. Bursera jerzyi Medina
  60. Bursera karsteniana Engl.
  61. Bursera karwinskii Engl.
  62. Bursera kerberi Engl.
  63. Bursera krusei Rzed.
  64. Bursera lancifolia (Schltdl.) Engl.
  65. Bursera laurihuertae Rzed. & Calderón
  66. Bursera laxiflora S.Watson
  67. Bursera linanoe (La Llave) Rzed., Calderón & Medina
  68. Bursera littoralis León de la Luz & Pérez Navarro
  69. Bursera longipes (Rose) Standl.
  70. Bursera lunanii (Spreng.) C.D.Adams & Dandy ex Proctor
  71. Bursera macvaughiana Cuevas & Rzed.
  72. Bursera madrigalii Rzed. & Calderón
  73. Bursera martae J.Jiménez Ram. & Cruz Durán
  74. Bursera medranoana Rzed. & E.Ortíz
  75. Bursera microphylla A.Gray
  76. Bursera mirandae C.A.Toledo
  77. Bursera morelensis Ramírez
  78. Bursera multifolia (Rose) Engl.
  79. Bursera multijuga Engl.
  80. Bursera occulta McVaugh & Rzed.
  81. Bursera oerstedii (Standl.) Standl.
  82. Bursera ovalifolia (Schltdl.) Engl.
  83. Bursera palaciosii Rzed. & Calderón
  84. Bursera palmeri S.Watson
  85. Bursera paradoxa Guevara & Rzed.
  86. Bursera penicillata (Sessé & Moc. ex DC.) Engl.
  87. Bursera pereirae Daly
  88. Bursera permollis Standl. & Steyerm.
  89. Bursera pontiveteris Rzed., Calderón & Medina
  90. Bursera ribana Rzed. & Calderón
  91. Bursera roseana Rzed., Calderón & Medina
  92. Bursera rupicola León de la Luz
  93. Bursera rzedowskii C.A.Toledo
  94. Bursera sarcopoda Paul G.Wilson
  95. Bursera sarukhanii Guevara & Rzed.
  96. Bursera schlechtendalii Engl.
  97. Bursera sellowii Turcz.
  98. Bursera shaferi (Britton & P.Wilson) Urb.
  99. Bursera silviae Rzed. & Calderón
  100. Bursera simaruba (L.) Sarg.
  101. Bursera simplex Rzed. & Calderón
  102. Bursera spinescens Urb. & Ekman
  103. Bursera standleyana L.O.Williams & Cuatrec.
  104. Bursera staphyleoides McVaugh & Rzed.
  105. Bursera stenophylla Sprague & L.Riley
  106. Bursera submoniliformis Engl.
  107. Bursera subtrifoliata (Rose) Standl.
  108. Bursera suntui C.A.Toledo
  109. Bursera tecomaca (DC.) Standl.
  110. Bursera toledoana Rzed. & Calderón
  111. Bursera tomentosa (Jacq.) Triana & Planch.
  112. Bursera trifoliolata Bullock
  113. Bursera trimera Bullock
  114. Bursera vazquezyanesii Rzed. & Calderón
  115. Bursera vejar-vazquezii Miranda
  116. Bursera velutina Bullock
  117. Bursera xochipalensis Rzed.
  118. Bursera xolocotzii Guevara
  119. Bursera yaterensis M.C.Martínez, Daly & J.Pérez
  120. Bursera zapoteca Rzed. & Medina

Resin: The Life Blood of Bursera

One of the most fascinating aspects of Bursera is its resin. Produced as a defense mechanism against injury and infection, this sticky substance has played a significant role in human history. Ancient civilizations used Bursera resin for incense, medicine, and even as a varnish. Today, it continues to be valued for its aromatic and medicinal properties.

The resin varies in color and consistency depending on the species. Some produce a clear, watery sap, while others yield a thick, amber-colored resin. This diversity has led to a variety of traditional uses. For example, the resin of Bursera graveolens, known as Palo Santo, is burned for its cleansing and spiritual properties. Meanwhile, the resin of Bursera simaruba is used in traditional medicine to treat a range of ailments, from skin infections to respiratory problems.

Adapting to a Changing World

Bursera species are true survivors, thriving in some of the harshest environments on Earth. From the arid deserts of Mexico to the rocky slopes of the Andes, these plants have adapted to withstand drought, heat, and poor soil conditions. Their resilience is a testament to their evolutionary success.

However, even these hardy plants are facing challenges in a changing world. Habitat loss due to deforestation and agriculture is a major threat to many Bursera species. Climate change is also altering the delicate balance of their ecosystems, making it more difficult for them to survive.

Conservation and the Future

The future of Bursera lies in our hands. It is crucial that we protect these valuable plants and their habitats. Conservation efforts, such as sustainable harvesting practices and reforestation projects, are essential for ensuring their survival.

As a botanist, I am committed to contributing to the preservation of Bursera. Through research and education, I hope to raise awareness about the importance of these plants and inspire others to join the effort to protect them.

The world of Bursera is a rich and fascinating one, full of wonder and beauty. By understanding and appreciating these remarkable plants, we can help ensure that they continue to thrive for generations to come.

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