Throughout its range it is propagated as an ornamental. Within the Bahamas it is used medicinally to treat circulatory problems as well as in strengthening and aphrodisiac teas. In the Bahamas there is a related endemic species (Bursera frenningiae) that occurs in the southern islands.Ĭultural usage: There are many cultural uses of Bursera simaruba. It is also found in the Pine Woodlands.ĭistribution in Bahamas/Globally: Bursera simaruba occurs on all islands of the Lucayan Archipelago as well as Florida, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.

It is a common species throughout the islands. In the wetter areas of its range, it is found on slopes where the soil is shallow and dries quickly. In its native environment, it is often found in dry forests, but sometimes in wetter forests. Habitat: Bursera simaruba grows in Dry Broadleaf Evergreen Formations (coppice) on both a limestone and sand substrate. Gumbo Limbo is a large, drought-tolerant, flowering semi-evergreen tree in the Burseraceae family native to tropical regions of Florida and South America. The carpellate flowers calyx and corolla is 3 lobed with 6 infertile stamens. The staminate flower calyx and corolla is 5 lobed with 10 stamens. Plants are monoecious with every individual producing both male and female flowers. The incomplete, imprefect actinomorphic flowers appear in before new leaves sprout during the spring in panicles. They are arranged alternately and the leaflet margins are entire. The leaves are compound ranging from 3 to 9 leaflets. The trunk is a reddish brown that peels off in thing layers. Habit: Bursera simaruba ranges from a bush to large trees over 15 meters in height.

Gumbo limbo tree size