![]() The gumbo-limbo tree, for example, provides an antidote to allergic reactions to poisonwood. ![]() Some of these explanations provided an amusing insight into Belizean culture. ![]() The common name comes from the Spanish “goma elemi”, describing the sticky sap. He discussed these plants and their medicinal uses as casually and matter-of-factly as an American teenager would discuss taking aspirin for a headache. The Gumbo Limbo is often utilized for reforestation projects due. Similar Species: The leaves could possibly be confused with Poisonwood ( Metopium toxiferum), but the red-brown flaking bark is quite distinctive.Ĭomments: The bark of Gumbo Limbo is reportedly used as an herbal medicine in the Bahamas, Mexico, and Central and South America to treat skin disorders, and it is steeped to produce a tea to treat various internal maladies. Gumbo limbos rapid growth, ease and low cost of reproduction, and ecological versatility have made it highly recommended as a starter tree for plantations. The trees peeling, reddish-brown bark offers a striking contrast to its bright green leaves. But in spite of these characteristics of the wood, a gumbo limbo is considered one of the most wind-tolerant trees and can withstand hurricane winds. Flowers: Small, white, in clusters along the branches spring to summer. Bark: Copper-colored, with green undertones, flaky smoother on some specimens. Medicinal uses: Bark or leaf teas were used to treat colds, arthritis. Habitat: Gumbo-Limbo is an important canopy tree in hammocks and is widely planted in south Florida as a very attractive ornamental. Gumbo Limbo Bursera simaruba Plant Family: Bursaeraceae Leaves: Alternate, once-compound, with 3 to 9 ovate to elliptic leaflets with sharp pointed apices. tree is commonly called The Tourist Tree because its bark resembles the. Gumbo-limbo is considered medicinal nearly everyplace. Leaves: Alternate, once-compound, with 3 to 9 ovate to elliptic leaflets with sharp pointed apices.īark: Copper-colored, with green undertones, flaky smoother on some specimens.įlowers: Small, white, in clusters along the branches spring to summer.įruits: Green to reddish brown, three-sided, to 1 cm, with a single white seed inside a red fleshy covering held in open, short clusters along the branches from fall to winter. I read that in the Caribbean people use its resin as glue, varnish, water-repellent coating, and incense.
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