1. gumbo limbo tree, 2. Fly on Gumbo Limbo flower, 3. Gumbo Limbo Butterfly, 4. gumbo limbo tree, 5. Gumbo limbo bark, 6. Nighthawk & Gumbo Limbo Tree.

It took me a while, but happily, I have found an interesting specimen that is native to only just one state, in this case Florida.  Gumbo-limbo (Bursera simaruba) is often referred to as the Tourist Tree because the tree’s bark is red and peeling, like the skin of sunburnt tourists, who are a common sight in the plant’s range.

It is a very useful plant economically and ecologically.  It is well adapted to several kinds of habitats, which include salty and calcareous soils. It grows rapidly and is frequently planted in coastal areas.  Gumbo-limbo is also considered one of the most wind-tolerant trees, and it is recommended as a rugged, hurricane-resistant species in south Florida.  Frequently planted for wind protection of crops and roads, or as living fence posts, if simply stuck into good soil, small branches will readily root and grow into sizeable trees in a few years. Gumbo-limbo wood is suitable for light construction and as firewood, and the tree’s resin, called chibou, cachibou or gomartis is used as glue, varnish and incense. And here is a bit of trivia…. Gumbo Limbo is the traditional wood used for the manufacture of carousel horses in the United States.