Global InformationPachycormus discolor information
| Pachycormus discolor | |
|---|---|
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Conservation status
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 Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)[1] | |
Scientific classification 
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| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Sapindales |
| Family: | Anacardiaceae |
| Subfamily: | Anacardioideae |
| Genus: | Pachycormus Coville ex Standl. |
| Species: | P. discolor
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| Binomial name | |
| Pachycormus discolor (Benth.) Coville ex Standl.
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| Synonyms[2] | |
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Synonymy
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Pachycormus is a monotypic genus of flowering plants in the cashew family commonly known as the Baja elephant tree, torote blanco, or copalquín.[3] The single species Pachycormus discolor is endemic to the Baja California peninsula, with three varieties. This sarcocaulescent tree or shrub is characterized by its unique gnarled growth habit, skin-like exfoliating bark, and succulent nature, whose appearance has been colorfully described as "the proboscis of an elephant holding a nosegay," a "huge radish protruding from the ground," or "grotesque resemblances of the flexed limbs of a corpulent human being."[4] This drought-deciduous species spends most of the year dormant, but following rains pinnate green leaves emerge, and in the late spring to summer the leaves yellow, fall, and give way to bright red, cream, or pink flowers that give it a striking appearance in bloom.[4][5]
- ^ Fuentes, A.C.D.; Martínez Salas, E.; Samain, M.-S. (2020). "Pachycormus discolor". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2020: e.T136750130A137376044. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2020-1.RLTS.T136750130A137376044.en. Retrieved 18 November 2021.
- ^ "Pachycormus discolor". Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved 20 August 2022.
- ^ Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum (Tucson, Ariz.) (2000). A Natural History of the Sonoran Desert. University of California Press. p. 181. ISBN 978-0-520-21980-9.
- ^ a b Goldman, Edward A. (1916). "Plant Records of an Expedition to Lower California". Contributions from the United States National Herbarium. 16 (14). United States National Herbarium: 344–345 – via Biodiversity Heritage Library.
- ^ Rebman, Jon P.; Roberts, Norman C. (2012). Baja California Plant Field Guide (3rd ed.). San Diego: Sunbelt Publications. pp. 111–112. ISBN 978-0-916251-18-5.