Gum Tree
Bursera simarubafam. Burseraceae
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Pl. BDF4 — Bursera simaruba
Bursera simarubaBursera simarubaBursera simarubaBursera simarubaBursera simarubaBursera simarubaBursera simarubaBursera simarubaBursera simarubaBursera simarubaBursera simarubaBursera simarubaBursera simarubaBursera simaruba
IOverview
Overview
Gum Tree (Bursera simaruba) is a tree or shrub native to the Caribbean and Central America, ranging from Florida to Venezuela. Known for its light-loving nature, it thrives in full sun to partial shade and can tolerate both dry and moist conditions. The plant grows well in various soil types, including sandy, medium, and clay soils, with an optimal pH range of 6 to 7. It reaches a height of up to 20 meters and is valued for its edible leaves, making it a useful addition to gardens or landscapes where its distinctive form can be appreciated.
Quick answers
What is Gum Tree?
Gum Tree (Bursera simaruba) is a tree or shrub native to the Caribbean and Central America, ranging from Florida to Venezuela. Known for its light-loving nature, it thrives in full sun to partial shade and can tolerate both dry and moist conditions.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
The Gum Tree (Bursera simaruba) thrives in full to partial sun and prefers well-draining soils that are light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is drought-tolerant but performs best in moist conditions. This tree grows up to 20 meters tall and can be propagated through cuttings. Hardy in zones 10-12, it is native to regions including Aruba, Bahamas, Belize, Brazil North, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, and other Caribbean islands. Leaves are edible. Ensure the soil pH is between 6 and 7 for optimal growth.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
10-12
Habit
Tree, Shrub
Mature size
20.0 m tall
Soil pH
6–7
For first-time growers
How to grow Gum Tree for the first time
7steps
Start with a simple planting of Gum Tree to gain experience in caring for this hardy tree.
- 1
What you'll need
A young Gum Tree sapling, well-draining soil, and a container or garden space.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant the Gum Tree in spring when temperatures are warm but not too hot.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure the soil is light (sandy), medium, or heavy with a pH of 6–7. For containers, use a potting mix suitable for trees.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant the young sapling into your prepared container or garden bed, ensuring it has enough space to grow.
- 5
First two weeks
Water the tree regularly but avoid overwatering. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun to partial shade and regular watering, especially during dry periods. Fertilize lightly in spring.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune the tree to maintain its shape and remove any dead or damaged branches as needed.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: Gum, Tea
Other uses:AdhesiveBiomassFire starterFencingLumberGumFragrancePreservativeResinVarnishCoppice
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 30 native
Americas15 regions
native (15)BahamasBelizeColombiaCosta RicaCubaDominican RepublicEl SalvadorFrench GuianaGuatemalaGuyanaHondurasJamaicaNicaraguaPeruPuerto Rico
Broader regions
native:Aruba, Brazil North, Cayman Is., Florida, Leeward Is., Mexico Central, Mexico Gulf, Mexico Northeast, Mexico Northwest, Mexico Southeast, Mexico Southwest, Panamá, Southwest Caribbean, Trinidad-Tobago, Turks-Caicos Is.
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
5 related
See also
5 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Burseraceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Burseraceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
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Companion planting
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