Trees of Zihuatanejo

-Torchwoods (Family Burseraceae)

-Genus Bursera

-Gumbo Limbo (Bursera simaruba)

The Gumbo Limbo (Bursera simaruba) is a tropical deciduous tree native to southern Florida, the Caribbean, Mexico, and Central America. It is easily recognized by its striking, smooth, coppery-red bark that peels away in thin, papery layers, giving it the nickname “tourist tree” for its resemblance to sunburned skin. The tree grows quickly and can reach 15 to 30 meters (50 to 100 feet) in height. Its wood is lightweight and historically used for carving, drums, and fishing net floats, while its resin has traditional medicinal uses.

Description

• Bursera simaruba, commonly known as gumbo-limbo, copperwood, or tourist tree, is a medium-sized deciduous tree in the frankincense family (Burseraceae). It is especially recognizable by its smooth, shiny, reddish-brown to copper-coloured bark, which peels away in thin sheets. The tree has a spreading crown, aromatic resin, and compound leaves made up of several oval leaflets. Small flowers grow in clusters, followed by fleshy fruits that provide food for birds and other wildlife.

Range

• Bursera simaruba is native to tropical America, ranging from southern Florida and Mexico through Central America and the Caribbean to northern South America. It is native to Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, and the surrounding area.

Habitat

• This tree commonly grows in tropical dry forests, coastal woodland, scrub, and seasonally dry lowland forests. It tolerates heat, drought, and a variety of well-drained soils. Its peeling copper-coloured bark makes it a distinctive feature of the tropical landscapes of western Mexico, and its branches and canopy provide shelter and food for wildlife.