Scientific name: Bursera simaruba
Common names: Gumbo limbo, Tourist tree, Turpentine Tree, Copperwood, West Indian Birch, Naked Indian, Florida Copal
The gumbo limbo tree, with its distinctive appearance and cultural significance, is a beloved symbol of the tropical Americas. From its striking bark to its ecological importance and traditional uses, this resilient tree continues to captivate and inspire admiration among those who encounter it in its native habitats. Whether admired for its ornamental beauty, valued for its medicinal properties, or cherished for its role in supporting biodiversity, the gumbo limbo tree remains a treasured part of the natural landscape.
It is often humorously referred to as the “tourist tree” because its bark is red and peeling, resembling the skin of sunburnt tourists.
The gumbo limbo is a tropical tree native to the Americas, particularly in regions ranging from southern Florida and the Caribbean to Central America and northern South America. It belongs to the Burseraceae family, which also includes frankincense and myrrh trees. The gumbo limbo tree is known for its striking appearance, distinctive bark, and cultural significance in various indigenous communities.
It is a medium-sized deciduous tree that typically grows up to 15-25 meters (50-80 feet) in height, although some specimens may reach heights of up to 30 meters (100 feet). It has a spreading, irregular crown with branches that often twist and contort, giving the tree a unique and picturesque silhouette. The bark of the gumbo limbo tree is perhaps its most distinctive feature, with its reddish-brown, peeling layers.
The leaves of the gumbo limbo tree are alternate, palmately compound, and typically composed of 5-11 leaflets. The leaflets are elliptical to lanceolate in shape, with serrated edges and a glossy green color. During the dry season, the leaves may turn reddish or yellowish before shedding, adding to the tree’s ornamental appeal. The tree produces small, inconspicuous flowers that are greenish-yellow in color, arranged in clusters known as panicles which appear during the warm months of the year. While not particularly showy, the flowers attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. The fruit is a small, round drupe that turns from green to red as it matures, and the seeds are dispersed by birds that consume the fruit.
Medicinal uses:
While the gumbo limbo tree is primarily known for its ornamental value and cultural significance, it has also been traditionally used for various medicinal purposes.
Extracts from the bark and resin of the gumbo limbo tree have been used traditionally as anti-inflammatory agents. They are believed to reduce inflammation and swelling associated with conditions such as arthritis, rheumatism, and muscle pain. The resin, in particular, has been applied topically as a poultice or salve to alleviate joint pain and promote healing.
In some traditional systems of medicine, preparations made from the bark or leaves of the gumbo limbo tree have been used to alleviate digestive discomfort. Infusions or decoctions of the bark or leaves were consumed orally to relieve symptoms such as indigestion, bloating, and abdominal pain. Additionally, the resin may have mild laxative properties and could be used to promote regular bowel movements. Additionally, Infusions or decoctions made from the bark or leaves were consumed as a tea or used as steam inhalations to alleviate congestion, soothe irritated throat, and promote expectoration of phlegm.