Gumbo Limbo (Bursera simaruba) is a versatile and resilient tree that brings both beauty and biodiversity to landscapes. Reaching 20 to 30 feet in height and width, it features elegant white and green flowers that bloom seasonally, along with brown fruit that adds subtle visual interest. Known for its smooth, peeling bark that reveals a reddish underlayer, often earning it the nickname "tourist tree," this species adds a unique and striking aesthetic.
Thriving in full sun to part shade, Gumbo Limbo adapts to various soil types, including humus, lime rock, and sand, and excels in calcareous (high pH) soils. It requires well-drained, moist soil, yet its drought tolerance makes it an excellent choice for low-water landscapes and coastal areas. This durable tree is a haven for wildlife, serving as a larval host for the dingy purplewing butterfly (Eunica monima) and attracting a variety of pollinators such as bees and butterflies, enhancing the biodiversity of any garden.
Whether planted as a shade tree, a focal point, or part of a native habitat garden, Gumbo Limbo offers ecological and aesthetic benefits that make it a valuable addition to Florida's landscapes.
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