Pachycormus discolor aka Succulent Elephant Trees

Pachycormus discolor is a shrub or small tree. It comes from Baja California, Mexico. It is part of the Anacardiaceae family. Its common names include copalquin and elephant tree. It grows in desert or dry shrubland in the wild. Kew lists its growth form as a caudex tree. It has a very short, thick trunk with spreading branches. The root crown may swell to form a bulb-shaped base. Virginia Tech records heights up to 30 feet (9.1 metres). This does not show the usual size of garden plants.

The bark changes in colour and texture as stems grow. Old bark turns grey, as does bark on slow-growing stems. Stems that grow faster have tan to white bark. This bark peels off in thin sheets. Green inner bark uses light for photosynthesis. When cut, the bark gives off sap that contains resin. The grey-brown twigs range from fairly thick to stout. They also bear short spur shoots. Stout stems, a thick trunk, and peeling bark give it a distinct shape. These traits stay in view when drought makes the leaves fall.

The leaves grow in turn along the stems, not in pairs. They are pinnate: each has several leaflets, not one whole blade. With enough water, leaves reach 2 inches (0.05 metres) long. Most leaflets are oval and green on both sides. Their edges may be smooth or have rounded teeth. The leaflet at the tip often has three lobes. The leaves have no scent. This plant sheds its leaves in times of drought. Its leaf cover thus changes with the water it can get.

Flowers may bloom from spring through fall, not just one short season. They range in colour from creamy yellow-white to pink. They grow in panicles or racemes, two types of flower clusters. Each flower has five petals. It measures about a quarter-inch across. Virginia Tech calls the small fruit dry and bladder-like. The sources give no guidance on garden soil, light, or watering. They do not say how much cold the plant withstands. Nor do they show edible uses or establish whether it is toxic. They give no facts on pests or diseases. Its dry home range alone does not answer these care or safety questions.