Description
The Gumbo Limbo tree is one of the most recognizable trees of the American tropics—often called the "tourist tree" because of its characteristic peeling red bark, reminiscent of a sunburnt tourist! This medium-sized tree grows to 30 meters tall & has a diameter of 1 meter or less. The leaves are pinnate with 7-11 leaflets & are arranged in spirals. The fruits are small, 3-valved capsules which encase one small seed covered in a red fatty seed coat (aril). The Bursera simaruba is an important food source for many resident & migrant species of birds, as well as monkeys & squirrels, who feed on the aril. Gumbo Limbo is a very useful tree; its wood is suitable for light construction & firewood, & the resin is used as glue, varnish & incense. Anti-inflammatory properties in its leaves, bark & resin can be used to treat a variety of aches & pains. The resin is used as a treatment for gout. The bark is used as a common topical remedy for a variety of skin conditions including sores, measles, sunburn & insect bites, & a decoction can be taken internally to cure pain, cold & flu, fever & sunstroke. Furthermore, this tree is considered one of the most wind-resistant species & can act as a good wind barrier to protect crops & roads, & is commonly planted in hurricane zones. Gumbo Limbo trees grow in a wide variety of habitats from south Florida through Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, to Brazil & Venezuela Growing Instructions 1. The seeds like moist, well-drained soil. Prepare a mixture of half potting soil & half sand, perlite or vermiculite. Put the soil in a pot. Water the mixture so that it is moist but not wet. 2. Put the seeds on the soil. 3. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil. The seeds take about a month to germinate. 4. Water the seeds. 5. Place the pots in an area with warm temperatures in full sun or part shade. 6. When the seedlings are a few inches tall, they can be transplanted. Gumbo Limbo Bursera Simaruba 10 Seeds | Free Us Shipping
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