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Glossary

Gumbo-limbo, Bursera simaruba

Go to - Landscape Trees
Landscape Shrubs

Family - Burseraceae

This tree is endemic to Florida within the continental U.S..

U.S.D.A. zones - 10, 11

Gumbo limbo is a briefly deciduous tree to 40 feet tall with an equal spread, occasionally larger. Easily identified by its unusual bark - it's thin and glossy, copper colored & peels from the tree in pieces, hence the common names of the sunburn tree or tourist tree.

Leaves are alternate, pinnately compound with the leaflets having entire margins, elliptic to ovate in shape, new leaves are copper colored, otherwise deep green, 2-4+ inches long.

Inconspicuous green flowers are produced in spring, the red fleshy fruits that follow take 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, with best growth obtained in soils with a high organic content.

Salt, drought & wind resistant.

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