Gumbo Limbo

(Bursera simaruba)

Gumbo Limbo (Bursera simaruba)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Bursera simaruba, commonly known as Gumbo Limbo, is a deciduous tree native to tropical dry forests, coastal thickets, and disturbed areas in the Mexico, Florida, the Caribbean, Central America, and northern South America. It typically grows to a height of 30 meters with a trunk diameter of one meter or less at 1.5 meters above ground. The tree features a shiny, dark red peeling bark, reminiscent of sunburnt skin, hence the nickname "tourist tree." Its leaves are spirally arranged, and it produces small, greenish-white flowers. The main fruiting season is March and April in the northern part of its range, with ripe fruit available year-round. Birds are attracted to the lipid-rich aril of the fruit.

Gumbo Limbo is valued for its rapid growth, adaptability to various habitats, including salty and calcareous soils, and exceptional wind tolerance, making it a recommended species for hurricane resistance in regions like South Florida. It is used for urban planting, as a living fence, and for wind protection of crops and roads. Small branches can root easily when planted in good soil. In cultivation, it thrives in full sun, with low to medium water requirements, and is tolerant of a range of soil drainage conditions. However, it does not tolerate waterlogged soils.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Tree
  • Height: 25-40 feet
  • Width: 25-30 feet
  • Growth Rate: Rapid
  • Flower Color: N/A
  • Flowering Season: Spring
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun
  • Water: Low, Medium
  • Drainage: Fast, Medium

Common Uses

Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Low Maintenance, Salt Tolerant, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Tropical dry forests, coastal thickets, and disturbed areas in the Caribbean, Central America, and northern South America

Other Names

Common Names: Copperwood, Chaca, West Indian Birch, Naked Indian, Turpentine Tree, West Indian-Birch, Palo Jiote, Bois De Gommier Blanc, Amerikanskt Balsamträd, Almacigo

Scientific Names: , Bursera simaruba, Elaphrium simaruba, Bursera gummifera, Bursera bonairensis, Bursera simaruba var. yucatanensis, Terebinthus simaruba, Bursera gummifera var. pubescens, Pistacia simaruba, Bursera panamensis

GBIF Accepted Name: Bursera simaruba (L.) Sarg.