BURSERA SIMARUBA Meaning and
Definition
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Bursera simaruba, commonly known as Gumbo Limbo or the Tourist Tree, is a species of flowering tree belonging to the Burseraceae family. It is native to tropical regions of the Americas, including the Caribbean, Florida, Mexico, Central America, and northern South America.
The Bursera simaruba tree typically reaches a height of around 60 feet (18 meters) and has a distinctive reddish-brown peeling bark, which gives it the name "Tourist Tree" due to its similarity to sunburned skin often observed in tourists. The bark's exfoliation reveals a smooth, light grayish-green layer underneath, which is a unique characteristic of this species.
The tree has bipinnate leaves, meaning the leaves divide into smaller leaflets, giving it a feathery appearance. These leaves have a glossy green color and emit a fragrant smell when crushed. Bursera simaruba produces small clusters of greenish-white flowers that transition into small red fruits that attract birds and other wildlife.
Bursera simaruba is known for its adaptability to a range of environments, including sandy and rocky soils. It has been used in traditional medicine for various purposes, as well as in the production of resins and incense. The tree also plays a vital role in providing shade and shelter for various species and helps prevent soil erosion due to its extensive root system.
Due to its unique bark, attractiveness, and ability to withstand hurricane-force winds, Bursera simaruba is frequently planted in coastal areas, parks, and gardens as an ornamental tree. Its presence in many tropical landscapes and its ecological significance make it a notable species both aesthetically and ecologically.
Common Misspellings for BURSERA SIMARUBA
- vursera simaruba
- nursera simaruba
- hursera simaruba
- gursera simaruba
- byrsera simaruba
- bhrsera simaruba
- bjrsera simaruba
- birsera simaruba
- b8rsera simaruba
- b7rsera simaruba
- buesera simaruba
- budsera simaruba
- bufsera simaruba
- butsera simaruba
- bu5sera simaruba
- bu4sera simaruba
- buraera simaruba
- burzera simaruba
- burxera simaruba
Etymology of BURSERA SIMARUBA
The word "Bursera Simaruba" is a scientific name referring to a species of tree commonly known as "Gumbo-limbo" or "Tourist tree".
The etymology of "Bursera" can be traced back to the family name "Burseraceae", to which this tree belongs. The name "Burseraceae" itself originates from the genus "Bursera", named after the German-born botanist, Joachim Burser (1583-1639).
On the other hand, "Simaruba" is derived from the Spanish common name for the tree, "sumaruba". This word, possibly derived from the Taíno language, was later Latinized to "Simaruba" and eventually accepted as the specific epithet for this particular species.
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