Virginia Tech Dendrology

gumbo-limbo Burseraceae Bursera simaruba (L.) Sarg. Listen to the Latin symbol: BUSI
Leaf: Alternate, pinnately compound, 8 to 12 inches, 7 to 9 leaflets, shiny dark green above, paler below.
Flower: Very small, green, in spike-like clusters.
Fruit: In clusters (2 to 5 inches long), individuals football-shaped, red, 1/2 inch long.
Twig: Moderate, light brown, numerous lenticels, raised, heart-shaped leaf scars, buds are short and round.
Bark: Orange brown, peeling to reveal olive green beneath, smells of turpentine.
Form: Medium sized tree up to 60 feet, round crown, large limbs.
 leaf flower fruit twig bark form1 map
Additional Range Information: Bursera simaruba is native to North America. Range may be expanded by planting. See states reporting gumbo-limbo.
External Links: USDA Plants Database - Horticulture Information - USDAFS Forest Products Lab
All material © 2018 Virginia Tech Dept. of Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation; Photos and text by: John Seiler, Edward Jensen, Alex Niemiera, and John Peterson; Silvics reprinted from Ag Handbook 654