The Baja elephant tree has a gnarled growth habit that can make bizarre or strange forms. The leaves are dark green and drought deciduous, yellowing first before they drop.
Taxonomy
Etymology
The genus name Pachycormus comes from the Greekpachy for "thick" and kormos for "trunk", referencing the plant's thick caudiciform trunk.
Varieties
Pachycormus discolor var. discolor – commonly called the Magdalena elephant tree.
Pachycormus discolor var. pubescens – commonly called Baja California elephant tree.
Pachycormus discolor var. veatchiana – commonly called the Veatch elephant tree.