Bursera bicolor

Geographic & Climate

Geographic Coordinates: 18°48′ to 18°50′ N, 98°17′ to 99°19′ W (Tembembe river basin, Morelos, Mexico)

Climate Classification: Tropical dry climate with summer rains (Aw / BSh transitional)

Habitat Characteristics: Elevations ranging from 1200 to 1500 meters above sea level; mean annual rainfall approximately 1000–1500 mm with a distinct dry season from October to May; substrate composed of well-drained alluvial and rocky soils within tropical deciduous forests.

Botanical Morphology

Diagnostic Features: Characterized by an elongate, two-valved capsule fruit structure (bilocular ovary producing a two-valved dehiscent fruit), highly aromatic resinous sap, and a distinct leaf architecture often prone to forming complex natural hybridization zones with sympatric species like Bursera glabrifolia.

Growth Habit: Deciduous small tree or shrub, shedding leaves during the extended dry winter-spring season; active vegetative growth and flowering occur synchronously with the onset of summer rains.

History & Etymology

Etymology: The specific epithet "bicolor" derives from Latin, meaning "two-colored," likely referencing the contrasting coloration of the bark layers or leaflets.

Historical Context: Originally documented and described from Mexican type material collected by C.J.W. Schiede in 1835 and later classified under the broader complex of Mexican copal and elephant tree relatives (Burseraceae).