Gumbo-limbo

( Bursera simaruba )

Landscape Index Page Native landscape trees Native landscape shrubs

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Pictures - Gumbo-limbo tree, Close-up of peeling bark

Family - Burseraceae

Natural Habitat - Coastal Hammocks, endemic to Florida in the continental U.S..

Planting Zones - 10, 11

Description -  Native deciduous tree, to 40 feet tall with an equal spread, occasionally larger. Gumbo-limbo has very unusual bark - it's thin and glossy, copper colored & peels from the tree in pieces.

Leaves are alternate, pinnately compound with the leaflets having entire margins, elliptic to ovate, green, 2-4+ inches long. Gumbo-limbo drops its leaves just before its new spring growth. Inconspicuous green flower in spring, red fleshy fruit takes a year to mature .

Landscape Use -  Specimen tree, shade tree

Culture - Full sun to partial shade, propagation is by cuttings of any size. Tolerant of alkaline to acid soils, needs good drainage.

Gumbo-limbo is a fast growing tree, best growth is in soil with good organic content. Salt spray, drought & wind resistant.