Family: Burseraceae, Torchwood view all from this family

Description Crown spreading, rounded; branches large, crooked; trunk stout.
Leaves: 8" (20 cm) long, pinnately compound, with 5–9 ovate, 3" (7.5 cm) leaflets.
Bark: reddish brown to green, peeling in papery sheets; resinous, with turpentine odor.
Flowers: tiny, creamy to greenish white, in 4" (10 cm) clusters; bloom February–April.
Height: 80' (24 m).

Habitat Hammocks, shell mounds.

Range Central Florida and southward; mainly coastal.

Discussion The Gumbo Limbo is a member of the torchwood or bursera family (family Burseraceae) of trees and shrubs, many with smooth bark and aromatic resin. There are about 500 species in tropical regions, especially America and northeastern Africa. The Gumbo Limbo is one of only three native tree species in North America.