Elephant tree is a drought-adapted species in the Torchwood family, native to desert regions of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. In the U.S., it is found in Southern California and Arizona, while in Mexico it grows in Baja California, Baja California Sur, Sonora, Sinaloa, and Zacatecas. The Anza-Borrego Desert in San Diego County marks the northern limit of its range in California. It is the only member of its family native to the U.S., though related species are more common in Mexico.

Although typically a small tree, the elephant tree can grow as a sprawling, shrub-like plant in harsher conditions, often reaching just three feet in height. It has light gray to white bark that peels off in thin, papery layers. Younger branches may appear reddish. The trunk is noticeably swollen, an adaptation that allows the tree to store water for long periods of drought. The leaves are small and light-colored, and the tree readily sheds them in response to dry conditions to conserve moisture.

Elephant tree produces rounded yellow buds that open into small, star-shaped flowers in white or cream hues. Its fruit is a yellow stone containing a single seed, which is dispersed by wildlife. The tree is well adapted to survive in extreme desert environments, thriving in rocky soils and withstanding prolonged dry spells.

The Cahuilla People of Southern California value the Elephant Tree for its red sap, which they used as a general remedy for various ailments. Its unique appearance, ecological role in desert habitats, and cultural significance make it an important plant in the arid landscapes it inhabits.