Pal’isia Cora

Common Name: Gumbo Limbo
Papiamento Name: Pal’isia Cora
Scientific Name: Bursera simaruba

The Gumbo Limbo is easily recognized by its smooth, reddish bark that peels away in thin, papery strips—earning it the nickname “Tourist Tree” because it looks like sunburned skin. It has a broad, rounded canopy and grows up to 10–15 meters tall.

Its compound leaves are pinnate with multiple oval leaflets, and it produces tiny white flowers that attract pollinators. Small, red, berry-like fruits appear seasonally and are favored by birds.

Identification

FLOWERS

Tiny, white, inconspicuous flowers that appear seasonally; attract a variety of pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

FRUITS

Small, red, berry-like drupes that are highly attractive to birds.

LEAF STRUCTURE

Compound pinnate leaves with multiple oval-shaped, smooth-edged leaflets arranged symmetrically along the midrib.

OTHER MARKERS

Distinctive smooth, reddish-brown bark that peels in thin, papery strips, resembling sunburned skin (hence the nickname “Tourist Tree”).

Habitat & Range

Grows in dry forests, rocky hillsides, and along coastal areas. It is well-adapted to Aruba’s arid climate, with strong drought resistance and a fast growth rate. Native across the Caribbean, Central America, and parts of South America.

Ecological Role

Food source for birds and insects.
Soil stabilizer on hillsides and degraded lands.
Helps with reforestation due to its rapid growth and resilience.
Bark has natural antiseptic properties—often used in traditional medicine.

Suitability for Landscaping & Urban Use

Leaf Behavior: Semi-deciduous; may shed some or most leaves during the dry season but often maintains partial foliage.
Root System: Shallow but wide-spreading roots; generally not highly invasive but caution is advised near patios, foundations, or paved surfaces.
Growth Characteristics: Fast-growing, drought-tolerant, and highly resilient. Can tolerate poor, rocky soils. Excellent for erosion control and degraded areas.

Cultural Significance

Known locally for its medicinal uses: teas made from the bark are traditionally used to treat fever, colds, and inflammation. The softwood is also used for crafts and carvings.

The name Pal’isia is derived from Palo di Silla meaning “Tree of Saddles”, referring to the historical use of its soft, workable wood for making saddles and seats. Additionally, its bark was traditionally boiled into teas to treat fevers, colds, and inflammation.

Conservation Status

Not currently endangered, but plays a key role in habitat restoration and biodiversity conservation. In Aruba however very few Pal’isia Cora are found in the willd.
Encouraged in native tree replanting initiatives.