Bursera simaruba - Gumbolimbo
Family:
Native to:
Habitat:
Burseraceae
Florida, West Indies, Mexico, Central America and northern South America.
Humid, tropical climates. Up to 920 meters above sea level. 25 meter tall tree.
Ecological value:
High drought tolerance. Tolerates salty calcareous soils. Rapid growth at 2m per year. Important food source for birds - very good to use to attract birds for bird watching. Shade tolerant. Supports soil microbial life. Controls soil erosion. Thrives with little to no care.
Material uses:
Resin is taken from trunk to make glue, varnish, water repellent coatings and incense. Moderately strong wood, used for light furniture, toys, paper, and pulp. Oil from seed: contains 60-70% oil suitable for edible/ non-edible purpose, including fuel oil, and soap.
Edible uses:
Beverages and jam can be made from the fruit. Leaves used as a tea substitute.
Medicinal use:
Resin from bark used to treat dysentery, dropsy and yellow fever.
Other details:
Hurricane resistant: withstands wind gusts of 150-330 km/hr- can serve as wind protection for crops and roads starters tree in reforestation scheme. Live fence. Used as fuel wood. Each tree yields 15-30 kg nutlets equivalent to 2.5-5kg oil. Press cake from nuts used as green manure or fodder.
Research:
Jennifer Yaing/Christine Facella
Sources:
1. Christman, Steve. Bursera simaruba Plant Profile. FloriData. May 14, 2004.
2. Taylor, Leslie. Gumbolimbo. Tropical Plant Database. December 17, 2012.
Image Credit/Source:Vihelik,https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Bursera_simaruba_2.JPG