Bursera simaruba
 
Common Names Gumbo-Limbo, Tourist Tree, Copperwood, West Indian Birch, Naked Indian
 
Zones 10A–11 (outdoors); Zone 9B with protection
Bursera simaruba is a fast-growing, semi-evergreen tree native to South Florida, the Caribbean, Mexico, and Central America. Famous for its smooth, peeling red bark—likened to sunburnt tourists—it’s a resilient species that thrives in coastal and upland habitats. Its compound leaves, drought tolerance, and wildlife value make it a staple in restoration, urban greening, and tropical design.
 
Key Features
Growth Habit: Upright to spreading; irregular branching; open canopy
Height: 25–40 ft. in cultivation; up to 60 ft. in optimal conditions
Trunk: Smooth, reddish bark exfoliates in thin flakes; often multi-stemmed
Leaves: Pinnately compound; 3–7 ovate leaflets; bright green; aromatic when crushed
Inflorescence: Small greenish-white flowers in spike-like panicles; bloom late winter to spring
Fruit: Small, fleshy capsules with red arils; ripen March–April; high lipid content
Ecology: Host plant for dingy purplewing butterfly; resin used by bees for propolis; fruits attract birds, monkeys, and squirrels2
 
Growing Conditions
Light: Full sun
Watering: Low; drought-tolerant once established
Soil: Sandy, rocky, or loamy; well-drained; tolerates poor soils
Temperature: 50–95°F (10–35°C); frost-sensitive
Humidity: Adaptable; prefers subtropical to tropical conditions
Propagation: Seeds or branch cuttings; large cuttings may reduce structural integrity
Tolerance: High wind tolerance; moderate salt spray; not tolerant of waterlogged soils
 
Landscape Use Ideal for coastal restoration, urban greening, and wildlife gardens. Works well as a shade tree, street tree, or specimen in xeric landscapes. Pairs beautifully with Cordia sebestena, Guaiacum sanctum, and Tabebuia heterophylla for layered native compositions.