Burseraceae
West indian-birch
Bursera simaruba
Also known as Elaphrium subpubescens, Bursera gummifera, Gumbo limbo, Bursera bonairensis
Tropical Plants · Flowering Plants · Native Plants · Tropical · Tree · Drought Tolerant · Coastal · Gumbo Limbo · Ornamental Bark · Florida · Caribbean · Wildlife · Fast Growing
West Indian birch, also known as Gumbo Limbo, is a striking tropical tree with peeling copper-red bark and excellent drought tolerance once established. Plant it in full sun with well-draining soil and water sparingly — it is remarkably resilient to dry spells and salty coastal conditions. This low-maintenance tree is a wonderful choice for tropical and subtropical landscapes, offering shade, wildlife value, and unique ornamental appeal.
Growing conditions
The details behind the basics
- Daily light
- 8 hours
- Watering
- Water deeply but infrequently; allow soil to dry out significantly between waterings · Every 10-14 days once established
- Maintenance
- Low
- Soil pH
- 6–7
- Cycle
- Perennial
Form & growth
Mature size and habit
- Spacing
- 120 in apart
- Growth rate
- Fast
- Flowers
- Yes
- Foliage
- Medium
Ecology & origin
Where it belongs and what it brings
- Native to
- Aruba, Bahamas, Belize, Brazil North, Cayman Is., Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Florida, French Guiana, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Jamaica, Leeward Is., Mexico Central, Mexico Gulf, Mexico Northeast
- Attracts
- Bees, Birds, Butterflies
Sources: trefle, usda
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