Bursera silviae, discovered in 2008, in mountainous coastal areas of Oaxaca, Mexico is an American frankincense tree. The resin, or "copal" is reported to have a fragrant lemony smell. The bark is peeling and typical of Bursera. The plant has typical pinnate leaves of the soapwood family, This plant is said to be related to Boswellia fagaroides of Northern Mexico and Arizona of the Sonoran Desert.

An easy to grow tropical plant with no frost tolerance, Bursera silviae needs a well drained soil and a balanced fertilizer once a month. This plant is a summer grower. Grows in Zones 10a-10b....possibly 11.

I have four Bursera plants; fagaroides, hindsiana, microphylla and silviae. Silviae is my first tropical Bursera. The others in my collection are desert Bursera and grow throughout the hottest driest areas of Arizona. Silviae is a fast grower, unlike fagaroides. You can grow these plants from seed or cuttings.

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