Gumbo-limbo - Bursera simaruba

Description and Uses

Bursera simaruba (Gumbo-limbo) is a tropical tree from Colombia & Venezuela. It is mainly grown for its timber crops (medium shelflife), but also Other uses include; apiculture, fodder, fuel, gum resin, ornamental, repellent pesticide and timber can be produced. The crop is harvested by total removing. It starts flowering after 5 - 8 years. There are no edible parts. Medical uses include; it is medically used as anti-rheuma. The gum/resin contains Bursehernin (? - ?). There is Gumbo limbo seed oil extracted by expeller pressing from the tree`s seed/nut yielding 40 - 55% oil. The tree`s wood is called Gumbo Limbo wood and has a density of 550 - 630 kg/m³. Regarding firewood production the tree`s growing speed is fast, its energetic value is 4300 ckal/kg and the wood`s drying speed is medium; for firewood production it is not ideal. After 33 years the tree can be totally removed as it reached its commercial and ecological goal. Bursera simaruba has a lifespan of 60 years.

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Environmental limitations

The tree is 28 meters tall. It is fast growing and tolerates not less light than partial shade. Bursera simaruba has a shallow root-system and forms symbiotic relations it has symbiotic associations with the Glomus intraradices fungus. (endo-mycorrhiza). It is not able to fix nitrogen. The tree`s flower-morphology is monoecious and is pollinated by bees. Bursera simaruba is deciduous in winter and a bit allelopathic and has no thorns.

Bursera simaruba thrives in an altitude of 0 to 1000 meters above sea-level (tropical). The minimum temperature is 1°C and optimally between 18 - 25°C. The optimal rainfall is 2300 mm/year. Without irrigation the annual rainfall should be between 800 - 3000 mm (L/m²). The optimal soil-pH is between 6.0 - 7.0 in a soil texture of loam. To salt it is a bit tolerant to wind 4 and to fire intolerant.

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Pests and Diseases

has no pests and there are no significant diseases diseases.

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Seed Propagation

Seeds are orthodox and can be stored for 1 months. There are approximative 38000 seeds/kg. The seeds can be propagated as followed: (1) Store harvested seeds in water or in the fruit at room temperature, (2) Soak the seeds overnight in warm water before sowing., (3) press the seeds twice its size in the soil soil.

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