![]() Gumbo Limbo trees grow in a wide variety of habitats from south Florida through Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, to Brazil and Venezuela, and is common in the lowlands of central Panama around the Canopy Family lodges.Ĭool Fact! The wood of the Gumbo Limbo tree was the traditional wood used to make carousel horses in the United States before plastic became popular. They love the sun Gumbo Limbos prefer direct sunlight or can grow in partial shade. Furthermore, this tree is considered one of the most wind-resistant species and can act as a good wind barrier to protect crops and roads, and is commonly planted in hurricane zones. Here are some guidelines for planting a Gumbo Limbo from a clipping or branch: Select the perfect spot Gumbo Limbos grow fast and large so pick a spot at least 15-20 feet away from a structure or public walkways or roads. Native to South Florida, the Gumbo-limbo tree is a large semi evergreen tree. Unabashed tree-hugger Cindy Bear poses with one of the RRC’s much-loved gumbo limbo trees. So the problems associated with honeydew such as the growth of sooty mold could still be happening on gumbo limbo trees due to a different insect. The bark is used as a common topical remedy for a variety of skin conditions including sores, measles, sunburn and insect bites, and a decoction can be taken internally to cure pain, cold and flu, fever and sunstroke. Like the Rugose spiraling whitefly, the croton scale produces excessive honeydew. The resin is used as a treatment for gout. The two weaknesses of Gumbo Limbo trees in the Turks and Caicos are black sooty mold infestations typically caused by a symbiosis of ants and aphids that leads to sap leakage and mold growth, and in larger examples, trunk rot caused. Anti-inflammatory properties in its leaves, bark and resin can be used to treat a variety of aches and pains. The tree’s branches break easily, which allows it to withstand hurricanes well, after which it recovers fast. Gumbo Limbo is a very useful tree its wood is suitable for light construction and firewood, and the resin is used as glue, varnish and incense. The Gumbo Limbo is an important food source for many resident and migrant species of birds, as well as monkeys and squirrels, who feed on the aril. The fruits are small, 3-valved capsules which encase one small seed covered in a red fatty seed coat (aril). The leaves are pinnate with 7-11 leaflets and are arranged in spirals. 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 and has a diameter of 1 meter or less.
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