Gumbo-Limbo Tree

The gumbo-limbo tree is also called the "tourist tree" for its red, peeling bark, said to resemble a sunburnt tourist. This fast-growing, low-maintenance tree is both salt- and drought-tolerant, and is highly recommended for its ability to survive hurricanes. This attractive tree is an excellent choice—for South Florida landscapes. Unfortunately, the gumbo-limbo is only hardy in zones 10B–11.

UF/IFAS Sites

• Featured Creatures: Dingy Purplewing Butterfly
• Master Naturalist: Gumbo-Limbo

UF/IFAS Publications

• Bursera simaruba: Gumbo-Limbo
• Native Trees for South Florida
• Propagation of Landscape Plants
• Selecting Tropical and Subtropical Trees for Wind Resistance (PDF)
• Tropical Hardwood Hammocks in Florida

Also on Gardening in a Minute

• Appealing Bark
• Butterfly Gardening
• Salt-Tolerant Plants

Other Sites

• Bursera simaruba--Atlas of Florida Vascular Plants
• Bursera simaruba--Floridata.com
• Bursera simaruba--USA National Phenology Network
• Gumbo-Limbo--Institute for Regional Conservation