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More than 2100 species of the wild flora and fauna photographed in Zihuatanejo, Mexico and the surrounding area.
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Soapberries, Cashews, Mahoganies and Allies of Zihuatanejo
ORDER ROSALES
Gumbo Limbo (Papeliilo)
Bursera simaruba
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Soapberries, Cashews, Mahoganies, and Allies (Order Sapindales)
Flowers by Colour
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.

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