gumbo-limbo

plant

Also known as: Bursera simaruba, incense tree, indio desnudo

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Last updated

June 29, 2026

Quick Summary

The gumbo-limbo is a tree native to southern Florida and the American tropics. It is known for its smooth, coppery bark. This tree produces a reddish resin that is used locally for making cements and varnishes. The origin of the name "gumbo-limbo" is unknown, and it was first recorded in 1837. The term "gum elemi" can also refer to the gumbo-limbo tree.12

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tree
Tree bark
…smooth, copper-colored covering of the gumbo-limbo (Bursera simaruba) to the thick, soft, spongy bark of the punk, or cajeput, tree (Melaleuca leucadendron). Other types of bark include the commercial cork of the cork oak (Quercus suber) and the rugged, fissured outer coat of many other oaks; the flaking, patchy-colored barks…
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…smooth, copper-colored covering of the gumbo-limbo (Bursera simaruba) to the thick, soft, spongy bark of the punk, or cajeput, tree (Melaleuca leucadendron). Other types of bark include the commercial cork of the cork oak (Quercus suber) and the rugged, fissured outer coat of many other oaks; the flaking, patchy-colored barks…
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Burseraceae
Major genera and species
The gumbo-limbo, or incense tree (B. simaruba), has light reddish brown wood that is used for fishing floats; its fragrant resin is used in incense. It and other members of Bursera are exploited for turpentine or elemi (an oily resin) in tropical America.
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The gumbo-limbo, or incense tree (B. simaruba), has light reddish brown wood that is used for fishing floats; its fragrant resin is used in incense. It and other members of Bursera are exploited for turpentine or elemi (an oily resin) in tropical America.
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Sapindales
Burseraceae
Likewise, Bursera simaruba (gumbo-limbo, or incense tree) and other members of Bursera are exploited for turpentine or elemi (an oily resin) in tropical America. Some contain such large amounts of resin and burn so fiercely that they are known as torchwoods. Canarium strictum (Indian black dammar tree) and…
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Likewise, Bursera simaruba (gumbo-limbo, or incense tree) and other members of Bursera are exploited for turpentine or elemi (an oily resin) in tropical America. Some contain such large amounts of resin and burn so fiercely that they are known as torchwoods. Canarium strictum (Indian black dammar tree) and…
Read More