Gumbo-limbo
Captured from the historical species datasheet.
At a glance
Scientific nameBursera simaruba
Trade / common nameGumbo-limbo
FamilyBurseraceae
RegionCaribbean · South America · Central America · Western Europe · North America
Distribution
Of common occurrence in southern Florida, the West Indies, southern Mexico, Central America, and northern South America. The tree is not exacting as to site and moisture conditions but reaches its best development in lowland forests. On some sites it occurs as pure or nearly pure forests.
Uses
Boat building (general), Boxes and crates, Cabinetmaking, Casks, Charcoal, Concrete formwork, Core Stock, Flooring, Foundation posts, Fuelwood, General carpentry, Heavy construction, Joinery, Light construction, Marine construction, Matchboxes, Matches, Packing cases, Particleboard, Plywood corestock, Plywood, Poles, Posts, Pulp/Paper products, Railroad ties, Stakes, Structural plywood, Toothpicks, Toys, Utility plywood, Veneer
Countries & Distribution
These country connections come directly from the same SQL country–species bridge used by Country Detail and the Global Navigator.
🇦🇬Antigua and Barbuda
native
🇦🇼Aruba
native
🇧🇸Bahamas
historical
🇨🇴Colombia
captured
🇨🇷Costa Rica
historical
🇨🇺Cuba
historical
🇨🇼Curaçao
native
🇩🇲Dominica
native
🇩🇴Dominican Republic
historical
🇬🇩Grenada
native
🇬🇵Guadeloupe
historical
🇭🇹Haiti
historical
🇭🇳Honduras
historical
🇯🇲Jamaica
historical
🇲🇽Mexico
historical
🇲🇸Montserrat
native
🇳🇱Netherlands
historical
🇵🇦Panama
historical
🇵🇷Puerto Rico
historical
🇧🇱Saint Barthélemy
native
🇰🇳Saint Kitts and Nevis
native
🇱🇨Saint Lucia
native
🇹🇹Trinidad and Tobago
historical
🇹🇨Turks and Caicos Islands
native
🇺🇸United States
captured
🇻🇪Venezuela
historical
Wood images
Linked historical images associated with this species record.
Gumbo-limbo
Captured from the historical species datasheet.
Gumbo-limbo
Captured from the historical species datasheet.
Projects & Inspiration
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Project images are illustrative inspiration, not species-identification photographs. Suitability should be checked against the species data and project requirements.
Fine woodworkingDecorative detailsSmall crafted objects
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Appearance
Heartwood color
Historical source observations are shown separately; differences may reflect source, geography, test condition or publication.
Brown
Black
Red
Purple
White to cream
Yellow to golden-yellow to orange
Pale brown
Yellowish brown
Whitish
Light brown
It is similar in appearance to Cottonwood, but is slightly darker and more lustrous.
Sapwood Color
Historical source observations are shown separately; differences may reflect source, geography, test condition or publication.
White
Yellow
Green/Grey
Pink
Creamy white
Color not distinct from heartwood
Blends into heartwood
Color darkens as the sapwood merges gradually into the heartwood
Luster
Historical source observations are shown separately; differences may reflect source, geography, test condition or publication.
Medium
Lustrous
Moderate to high
Uses & Applications
Common Uses
Boat building (general), Boxes and crates, Cabinetmaking, Casks, Charcoal, Concrete formwork, Core Stock, Flooring, Foundation posts, Fuelwood, General carpentry, Heavy construction, Joinery, Light construction, Marine construction, Matchboxes, Matches, Packing cases, Particleboard, Plywood corestock, Plywood, Poles, Posts, Pulp/Paper products, Railroad ties, Stakes, Structural plywood, Toothpicks, Toys, Utility plywood, Veneer
Product Sources
Although Gumbo-limbo is abundant within its growth range it is not considered a major timber in international commerce. It is of little importance in the building trade because of its low strength and poor weathering qualities. It is sometimes found on the U.S. market in the form of low grade plywood from Mexico.
Full Technical Species Profile
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Protected technical content includes physical and mechanical properties, working and drying characteristics, durability data, detailed technical observations, references and methodology.