Gumbo Limbo
ExplorePlants
Gumbo Limbo
Bursera simaruba
The Gumbo Limbo tree is known for its smooth, reddish-brown bark and can grow very tall! It provides shade and is often called the 'tourist tree' because its bark peels like a sunburn.
Habitat: Coastal areas
Appearance
The Gumbo Limbo is easily recognized by its shiny, reddish-brown bark that peels off in thin, papery flakes, revealing a smoother, lighter green layer underneath. It has an irregular, spreading crown with many twisted branches and glossy, compound green leaves.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderSapindalesFamilyBurseraceaeGenusBursera
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Its nickname, "Tourist Tree," comes from its red, peeling bark, reminding people of sunburnt tourists!
The clear resin from its trunk was traditionally used as a natural glue and even a varnish!
The lightweight wood is sometimes carved into small canoes or toys in its native range.
This tree is a relative of the famous Frankincense tree, known for its fragrant resin!
Special abilities
Ability
Sunburn Tree Style
Gumbo Limbo has distinctive peeling bark that helps reflect intense sunlight and shed climbing vines, keeping it healthy and clear.
Ability
Hurricane Hero
Gumbo Limbo can quickly regrow branches and leaves after severe damage, helping it recover fast from strong storms like hurricanes.
Ability
Living Fence Builder
Gumbo Limbo can grow from cuttings stuck directly into the ground, allowing people to create living fences that root and grow.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 1000-2500 cm
- Spread
- 500-1500 cm
- Flower Size
- 0.5-1 cm
- Bloom Season
- Spring to early summer, sometimes year-round in tropical climates
- Edible
- Yes
- Toxicity
- None
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Insect
Ecological connections
pollinates
European Honey Bee
Apis mellifera
Visits small flowers for nectar and pollen.
eaten by
Blue-grey Tanager
Thraupis episcopus
Feeds on the small red fruits, spreading seeds.
shelters
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Great Kiskadee
Pitangus sulphuratus
Builds nests among its branches, protected by foliage.
Traits
Deciduous
Deciduous plants periodically shed all their leaves, typically during autumn or dry seasons.
Shade Tolerant
Shade tolerant plants are adapted to grow and thrive in areas with low light levels, requiring less direct sunlight.
Broadleaf Tree
Broadleaf trees are angiosperms characterized by flat, wide leaves that are typically shed annually in temperate climates.
Medicinal
Medicinal plants possess chemical compounds that can be used for therapeutic purposes to treat illnesses or maintain health.
Edible
Edible plants are those parts of a plant that are considered safe for human consumption.
Timber
Timber refers to wood that has been prepared for use in building and carpentry.
Coastal
Coastal habitats are dynamic environments located along the interface between land and sea, influenced by tides, waves, and saltwater.
Keystone Species
Describes a species whose presence and role have a disproportionately large effect on its environment.
Also known as
ChacahTourist Tree
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Be careful not to touch the bark too much, as it can be a little rough.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Gumbo Limbo?
1000-2500 cm
How wide does Gumbo Limbo spread?
500-1500 cm
How big are the flowers on Gumbo Limbo?
0.5-1 cm
When does Gumbo Limbo bloom?
Spring to early summer, sometimes year-round in tropical climates
Is Gumbo Limbo edible?
Yes
Is Gumbo Limbo toxic?
None
What is Gumbo Limbo's lifecycle?
Perennial
How is Gumbo Limbo pollinated?
Insect
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