BURSERA TRAIL
BURSERA TRAIL South Mountain Park, Phoenix View of the Sierra Estrella Mountains Twisted in organic, balletic form and smelling like perfume, Bursera microphylla ---better known as the Elephant Tree�lives on the slopes of South Mountain Park. Brush up against one of these squat, red-green-barked trees with swollen, contorted pachyderm-like trunks and a pungent aroma of camphor will waif from its tiny leaves. Related to the plants that produce frankincense and myrrh, sap from the elephant tree also can be dried and burned as incense. But, don't rush out with a collection bucket�the trees are a protected species in Arizona. Elephant Tree To get an up close look at this plant that grows only in the Sonoran Desert of Arizona and parts of southern California and northwestern Mexico, just follow the Bursera Trail which was completed in 2011. The route is simple-to-follow and connects with both the National and Bajada Trails for those who want to add mileage to their hike. Also, becaus...