Gumbolimbo Tree

Burseraceae - Bursera Simaruba

Chacah, Palo de Turista, (Tourist Tree)

If you live in the tropics or sub-tropics, the gumbolimbo is a fabulous tree to plant in your yard. It is a fairly attractive tree with its red, flaky bark. All kinds of birds love to eat the berries, and bees are crazy for the flowers, so it is great for attracting wildlife. On top of that, if you get a burn, rash, or insect bite, or make the mistake of rubbing up against a poison wood tree, you might be able to ease the pain by boiling some of the bark and pouring the cooled water on the affected area. Some folks also drink gumbolimbo bark tea for internal infections, fever, anemia, toxic blood and as a boosting tonic for the sick or elderly. Even the tree resin is useful. It was burnt as incense by the aztecs, but these days it is more likely to be used in varnish making. It's also known as the Tourist Tree because its red peeling bark resembles many of the sunburned tourists.