Elephant Tree (Operculicarya decaryi)

Elephant Tree is named for its grayish shine and gnarled, bumpy trunk and it makes an unusual subject for bonsai culture. Its thickening trunk, known as a caudiciform, develops quickly and a beautiful specimen can be grown in several years. This Madagascar native has arching branches covered with tiny shiny green leaves. Prune back the out-reaching branches periodically to help maintain its shape. In the wintertime, grow drier and in the summer increase water, especially when young. Easy-to-grow.