Copal de Torote (Bursera mycrophylla) NEW 2025

Scientific name: Bursera mycrophylla

Family: Burseraceae

Tradicional name: Copal de Torote

Biocultural Uses
Among the main uses of the torote tree is its aromatic gum, known as “copal,” which has been widely used in medicine and as incense during religious ceremonies. This tree was believed to possess a powerful spirit, which would manifest itself during ceremonies (Little, 2020). They also used the aromatic oils of the Bursera tree to heal wounds and stingray bites (Little, 2020).

Furthermore, the Seri used the wood of the torote tree to build boat parts and boxes, to make holy figures, rattles, and other objects. To repel bees, the Seri used the smoke produced by the dried wood of the torote tree (Little, 2020). Woven baskets called “coritas” are made from the bark of the torote tree.

Risk Category
Bursera microphylla is classified as least concern on the red list (Meredith et al., 2019) and is not considered endangered according to NOM-059 SEMARNAT 2010.

Spatial Coverage
It is distributed in an altitudinal range from 0 to 1,200 meters above sea level (Meredith et al., 2019). It can be found in semi-warm, semi-dry, and dry climates, associated with disturbed vegetation in tropical deciduous forests, xerophilous scrublands, and oak forests.

Distribution in the State of Sonora and Worldwide

The torote is found in Mexico in the states of Sonora, Baja California, Baja California Sur, and Chihuahua. In the United States, it can be observed in Arizona and southeastern California (Meredith et al., 2019; Little, 2020).