‘Gumbo Limbo’
Description: Gumbo-limbo is planted for shade and
ornamental uses. It sprouts from branches stuck into the ground and is
sometimes used to plant natural, living fences. This tree is also called the
"Tourist Tree" because the red bark peels like sunburn.
Size: Reaches up to 35 meters tall, diameter
reaches up to one meter.
Conditions:
prefers
partial shade or partial sun to full sun; soil should be wet,
Drought
avoidance is accomplished by leaf drop and growth is often best in drier
locations not receiving irrigation.
Adapts
well to sand or soil.
Tolerates
moderate amounts of salt spray.
Ecosystem
Role:
Fruits
are eaten by carablanca monkeys, monkey spiders, birds, and squirrels.
Wasps
use the paper-thin bark to make nests, and weevils nest in decaying Gumbo Limbos.
Watering:
Water during planting and for one year thereafter. Usually does not need
additional watering after one year.
Fertilization:
Do not fertilize until 6 months after planting.
Pruning: Wait
one year to prune