Gumbo Limbo

(Bursera simaruba)

This tree is often referred to as the tourist tree. Look at the bark of this tree, it is reddish and peeling, hence the term tourist tree. This tree is native to Florida and loses its leaves in the fall which is normally the dry season. The spring flowers are green and white, followed by pea-sized red fruit. The soft, lightweight wood was used to carve carousel horses, bowls, drums, toothpicks, and matchsticks. This plant has also been used to make glue and varnish. Early pioneers used the branches to make “living” fence posts by breaking off a branch and sticking it in the ground to grow!

Information Provided by the Friends of Barefoot Beach Preserve
No Reproduction Without Written Permission
www.friendsofbarefootbeach.org