120 Species in 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.