Amyris madrensis

Mountain Torchwood – This evergreen tree was originally collected by John Fairey and Carl Schoenfeld in Mexico in 1990, and still stands proudly in our North Dry Garden today! Growing up to 10 feet (although it is often shorter and sometimes shrub-form), the Mountain Torchwood showcases small rounded leaves and small red-brown fruits in late fall. Natively, this tree can be found in both south Texas and northern Mexico, making it an important food source for native birds and insects! As it matures, you might notice jumbles of root suckers forming at the base of the trunk. These can either be left (and are often used as habitats by small mammals and insects), or can easily be pruned back in order to achieve a more maintained appearance. When planted in full sun, the Mountain Torchwood tends to stay smaller and denser, while planting in part sun typically results in a taller and leggier tree. The choice is yours! Regardless, this desert tree needs to be planted in very well-draining soil and kept mostly dry. Some supplemental irrigation in late summer can be helpful, but Mountain Torchwood is reliably drought tolerant.