BURSERACEAE

These beautiful trees are native to Florida and Mexico. They can grow up to 10 meters tall, but rarely do so in cultivation, especially if kept in a pot. Their peeling, reddish-orange bark is very aesthetically pleasing. Another characteristic of this family is the essential oils that many plants contain. Bursera fagaroides, for example, has a citrusy scent when its leaves are crushed—yummy! An easy-to-grow tree that lends itself well to bonsai.

Full sun; water during the growing season when the pot is almost dry. Keep it almost bone dry in winter.