Gumbo-limbo

This tree has a thick trunk and both the trunk and branches can twist into interesting shapes. The bark is red to bronze and peels. It's also called the tourist tree, who also may be reddish and peeling.



Plant as a specimen tree to show off its bronze-colored peeling bark. Also makes a good shade tree.

Tolerant of occasional/brief inundation such as can occur in storm surges.



Some tolerance to salty wind but not direct salt spray.

Kingbirds and other flycatchers eat the fruits (IRC, Haehle and Brookwell 1999).

Moist hammocks, dry hammocks, dry hardwood forests, coastal uplands, urban areas

• Interesting bark, Hurricane wind resistance
• Larval host for dingy purplewing (Eunica monima) (IRC).  
• Attracts bees and other insect pollinators