Operculicarya decaryi, commonly known as Elephant Tree, originates from Madagascar and, like most plants from this island, has many unique and exotic characteristics.
The elephant tree is the rare, northernmost species of small, aromatic, tropical family which is extremely susceptible to cold. Their short, very stout, tapered trunks and branches are reminiscent of an elephant's legs and trunks, hence their name.
The gray vireo (Vireo vicinior) in particular is dependent on the fruit of the tree as a food source, and the bird’s range in the winter is limited by where the tree can grow.
There are about 12 species of Bursera in the Sonoran Desert region, about a third of which occur in the desert. This large shrub or small tree grows to 25 feet (8 m) tall; it usually has several contorted trunks and reddish branches.