Elephant Tree

Description:

"Very stout tree with tapering branches resemble an elephant's trunk and legs. Branches are very sensitive to frost, but roots will produce new growth. Leaves produce Copal, a resin once used as incense." from Plants of Arizona by Anne Orth Epple

Habitat:

"Rocky slopes of arid desert mountains" (Epple). This picture was taken on the Pyramid Trail in South Mountain Park, accessed West end of Chandler Blvd. in Ahwatukee Foothills (Phoenix), Arizona. I have also seen this near Fat Man's Pass in South Mountain Park along the National Trail. I have never seen this plant outside of South Mountain Park. Plants of Arizona has a picture of this plant taken at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument.

Notes:

The Elephant Tree is in the center of this picture surrounded by Teddy Bear Cholla and Barrel Cactus. There were many more plants here than along the National Trail near Fat Man's Pass. This trail is one of the newest in South Mountain Park having been completed roughly two years ago when a new section of Arizona State Trust land was added to South Mountain Park.