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Clicking any heading in the main data area (at right) will scroll the page back to this top position. Use the following links to jump to the associated section in the main data. Blunting Effect Boring Carving Comments Common Names Common Uses Countries of Distribution Cutting Resistance Distribution Overview Drying Defects Ease of Drying Environmental Profile Family Name Gluing Grain Heartwood Color Kiln Drying Rate Kiln Schedules Luster Mortising Moulding Movement in Service Nailing Natural Durability Numerical Data Odor Planing Polishing Product Sources References Regions of Distribution Resistance to Impregnation Resistance to Splitting Response to Hand Tools Sanding Sapwood Color Scientific Name Screwing Staining Strength Properties Synonyms Texture Toxicity Trade Name Tree Identification Tree Size Turning Veneering Qualities Scientific Name Bursera simaruba Trade Name Gumbo-limbo Family Name Burseraceae Synonyms Terelainthus simaruba, Bursera gummifera, Bursera gummifera, Bursera gummifera, Dacryodes hexandra, Elaphrium simaruba Common Names Aceitero, Almacigo, Almacigo blanco, Almacigo colorado, Almicogo encarnado, Archipen, Balsam tree, Balsam-tree, Birch, Birch gum, Budge, Cachibou, Carana, Carana caspi, Carate, Caratero, Caratosa, Caraña, Chaca, Chibou, Chibu, Chinacahuite, Chino, Chioue, Copon, Cucheme, Dibit-kra, Dori-tska, Dryland gommier, Gomard, Gombolimbo, Gomier blanc, Gommari, Gommart, Gommier, Gommier barriere, Gommier blanc, Gommier gris, Gommier maudit, Gommier mombin, Gommier rouge, Guacimo, Gum elemi, Gumbo-limbo, Gumtree, Hukup, Imbrana, Incense tree, Indian nue, Indian rue, Indien rue, Indio desnudo, Indio en cuero, Jicote, Jinicuite, Jinocuabo, Jinocuave, Jinocuavo, Jinote, Jiote, Jiñocuao, Jobo pelon, Karmari, Limbo, Mara, Mara colorado, Mararo, Mastic, Mastic tree, Mexican white birch, Mulato, Mulatto tree, Naked boy, Naked indian, Paaloe sieja doesji, Palloe sieja maatsjoe, Palo chino, Palo colorado, Palo de incienso, Palo jiote, Palo mulato, Palo retino, Peeling bark, Peeling bark gommier, Pellejo de indio, Piocha, Red birch, Red chaka, Red gombo, Red gombo limbo, Red gombolimbo, Resbalo mono, Sac-chacah, Sieja blanko, Torchwood, Torote, Turpentine tree, West Indian, West Indian birch, Xiooquauitl, Zongalica Regions of Distribution Central America, Latin America, North America, Oceania and S.E. Asia Countries of Distribution  [VIEW MAP] Bahamas, Colombia, Columbia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Guadelope [France], Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Netherlands, Panama, Puerto Rico [US], Trinidad and Tobago, United States, Venezuela Common Uses Boat building (general), Boxes and crates, Cabinetmaking, Casks, Charcoal, Concrete formwork, Core Stock, Flooring, Foundation posts, Fuelwood, General carpentry, Heavy construction, Joinery, Light construction, Marine construction, Matchboxes, Matches, Packing cases, Particleboard, Plywood corestock, Plywood, Poles, Posts, Pulp/Paper products, Railroad ties, Stakes, Structural plywood, Toothpicks, Toys, Utility plywood, Veneer Environmental Profile Some long-term concern for the species May be rare in some parts of its range Globally secure Generally widespread, secure, and abundant within most of its range Data source is Nature Conservancy Distribution Overview Of common occurrence in southern Florida, the West Indies, southern Mexico, Central America, and northern South America. The tree is not exacting as to site and moisture conditions but reaches its best development in lowland forests. On some sites it occurs as pure or nearly pure forests. Heartwood Color Brown Black Red Purple White to cream Yellow to golden-yellow to orange Pale brown Yellowish brown Whitish Light brown It is similar in appearance to Cottonwood, but is slightly darker and more lustrous. Sapwood Color White Yellow Green/Grey Pink Creamy white Color not distinct from heartwood Blends into heartwood Color darkens as the sapwood merges gradually into the heartwood Grain Straight Figure Closed Even Stripe (figure) Growth rings (figure) Rippled (figure) Irregular Wavy Weak (figure) Straight Striped figure Weak figure Wavy Straight to irregular Rippled figure Clear growth rings (figure) Texture Medium Fine Coarse Fine to medium Medium Fine Medium coarse to coarse Luster Medium Lustrous Moderate to high Natural Durability Very durable Non-resistant to powder post beetles Susceptible to insect attack Perishable Sapwood is susceptible to wood staining fungal attack Susceptible to attack from termites (Isoptera) Non durable Susceptible to attack from powder post (Lyctid & Bostrychid) beetles Susceptible to marine borer attack Pinworms (ambrosia beetles) are commonly present Vulnerable to termite and powder-post beetle attack Susceptible to attack by sap-stain fungi Pinworms (ambrosia beetles) often present in the standing tree No natural resistance Heartwood is susceptible to wood staining fungal attack Highly susceptible to attack by sap-stain fungi and should be extracted and processed, or chemically protected as quickly as possible after felling. Odor No specific smell or taste Toxicity Some toxic effects Kiln Schedules Drying (speed) is fast Dry at a moderate speed Drying Defects Slight twist/warp Slight surface checking Slight spring/bow Slight end splitting Slight cupping Severe blue staining Ease of Drying Fairly Easy Slowly Moderately Difficult to Difficult Easy Air-dries rapidly with little degrade Kiln Drying Rate Naturally dries slowly Tree Identification Bole/stem form is not buttressed Tree Size Tree height is 20-30 m Bole length is 10-20 m Sapwood width is 5-10 cm Tree height is 10-20 m Sapwood width is 0-5 cm Trunk diameter is 100-150 cm Product Sources Although Gumbo-limbo is abundant within its growth range it is not considered a major timber in international commerce. It is of little importance in the building trade because of its low strength and poor weathering qualities. It is sometimes found on the U.S. market in the form of low grade plywood from Mexico. Comments Exudes resin General finishing qualities are rated as good General strength properties = low Variable Wood properties are reported to vary considerably since Gumbo-limbo tends grow over a wide area, with potentially very different growing conditions Blunting Effect Blunting effect on sawing is mild Boring Difficult Use very sharp cutting edges to prevent grain from tearing Easy Carving May have torn grain Good results Cutting Resistance Fairly Difficult to Very Difficult to saw Easy to saw The wood has low resistance to sawing, but sharp tools with thin cutting edges and slow feeding rates have been suggested. Gluing Easy to glue Mortising Easy to mortise Difficult to mortise Mortising is easy but surfaces may be fuzzy because of softness and irregular grain. Moulding Difficult to mould Easy Moulding is easy although the soft wood and irregular grain may produce fuzzy surfaces. Movement in Service Small Good stability after seasoning Nailing Holds nails well Easy to nail Planing Easy to plane Planes well, to a good finish Torn grain is common Planes to a poor finish Working properties of Gumbo-limbo are very similar to those of Butternut (Juglans cinerea) Resistance to Impregnation Heartwood is permeable Resistance to Splitting Excellent Response to Hand Tools Fairly Difficult to Difficult to Work Easy to machine Worked surfaces may be fuzzy Excellent response Sanding Easy to sand Good sanding finish Fuzzy results Screwing Screwing yields satisfactory results Good screwing properties Easy to screw Turning Fairly Easy to Very Easy Very Good to Excellent Results Fair to Good Results Easy to turn Difficult to turn Good results Good results The wood is reported to turn relatively well, considering its softness. Veneering Qualities Easy to cut Suitable for peeling Moderately easy to veneer Drying degrade is often moderate to severe, with collapse, buckles, and splilts Polishing Very Good to Excellent Results Fair to Good Results Satisfactory results Staining Finish is generally satisfactory Staining (Characteristic) = coloured water-soluble extract Strength Properties Modulus of Elasticity (stiffness) = very low Hardness (side grain) = very soft Density (dry weight) = 15-22 lbs/cu. ft. Shrinkage, Radial = very small Bending strength (MOR) = very high Shrinkage, Tangential = very small Density (dry weight) = 31-37 lbs/cu. ft. Shearing strength (parallel to grain) = very low Shrinkage, Tangential = small Max. crushing strength = low Density (dry weight) = 23-30 lbs/cu. ft. Max crushing strength = very low Vulnerable to denting and scratching Vulnerable to denting and marring Max. crushing strength = medium Hardness (side grain) = soft Density = medium Bending strength (MOR) = medium Bending strength (MOR) = low Numerical Data Item Green Dry English Bending Strength 3218 4902 psi Density 24 lbs/ft3 Hardness 323 lbs Maximum Crushing Strength 1831 3363 psi Shearing Strength 882 psi Stiffness 796 1066 1000 psi Specific Gravity 0.3 Weight 24 20 lbs/ft3 Radial Shrinkage 2 % Tangential Shrinkage 4 % Volumetric Shrinkage 7 % Item Green Dry Metric Bending Strength 226 344 kg/cm2 Density 384 kg/m3 Hardness 146 kg Maximum Crushing Strength 128 236 kg/cm2 Shearing Strength 62 kg/cm2 Stiffness 55 74 1000 kg/cm2 Specific Gravity 0.3 Weight 384 320 kg/m3 Radial Shrinkage 2 % Tangential Shrinkage 4 % References Arno, J. 1992. Bursera simaruba - Gumbo-limbo. In A Guide to Useful Woods of the World. Flynn Jr., J.H., Editor. King Philip Publishing Co., Portland, Maine. 1994. Page 75-76. Belize,1946,42 Secondary Hardwood Timbers of British Honduras,British Honduras Forest Department Bulletin,No.1 Berni, C.A., Bolza, E., Christensen, F.J.,1979,South American Timbers - The Characteristics, Properties and Uses of 190,Species,C.S.I.R.O Div. Building Research Brazier, J.D., Franklin, G.L.,1967,An Appraisal of the Wood Characteristics and Potential Uses of some,Nicaraguan Timbers,FAO for Forest Products Research Laboratory, Princes Risborough Britton, N.L., Millspaugh, C.F.,1920,The Bahama Flora,Britton & Millspaugh,New York Brown, W.H.,1969,Properties and uses of Tropical hardwoods in the United Kingdom. Part 1,Nonstructural properties and uses.,Conference on Tropical hardwoods SC-5/TN-5, Syracuse University Brown, W.H.,1978,Timbers of the World, No. 9 Central America and the Caribbean,TRADA, Red Booklet Series Caribbean Commission,1952,Information on properties of timbers gathered by questionnaire and,collated in the secretariat of the Caribbean Commission including some,related data from technical literature.,Caribbean Commission, Port of Spain, Trinidad Caribbean Timbers, their,Utilization and Trade within the area CTUTA/1/Doc.7 + App.1-18 Chudnoff, M.,1984,Tropical Timbers of the World,U.S.A. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Forest Products,Laboratory, Madison. Englerth, G.H.,1960,Service Life of some Puerto Rican Post Species tested with 10%,Pentachlorophenol by Cold Soaking,Caribbean Forester,21(1&2,pp38-40 Erfurth, T., Rusche, H.,1976,The Marketing of Tropical Wood B. Wood Species from S. American Tropical,Moist Forests,F.A.O. Forestry Department Flores Rodriguez, L.J.,1969,Description Caracteristicas y usos de 25 Maderas tropicales,Mexicanas,Camera Nacional de la Industria de la Construccion Serie Maderas de Mexico Fors, A.J.,1965,Maderas Cubanas,Inst. Nac. Ref. Agraria La Habara Gomez-Vazquez, B.G.,1981,Wood structure and potential end uses of some lesser known Mexican timber,species,Thesis for Msc. Univ. Wales Bangor I.U.F.R.O.,1973,Veneer Species of the World,Assembled at F.P.L. Madison on behalf of I.U.F.R.O. Working Party on,Slicing and Veneer Cutting Kribs, D.A.,1950,Commercial and Foreign Woods on the American Market (a manual to their,structure, identification, uses and distribution,U.S.A. Penn. State College, Tropical Woods Laboratory Kukachka, B.F.,1970,Properties of Imported Tropical Woods,Forest Research Paper FPL 125 Limaye, V.D.,1946,Safe Working Stresses for Indian Timbers,Indian Forest Records (N.S. Utilisation,4(1,pp1-31 Little, E.L., Wadsworth, F.H.,1964,Common Trees of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands,U.S.A. Department of Agriculture, Agriculture Handbook,No.249 Longwood, F.R.,1961,Puerto Rican Woods - Their Machining Seasoning and Related Characteristics,U.S.A. Department of Agriculture, Agriculture Handbook,No.205 Longwood, F.R.,1962,Commercial Timbers of the Caribbean,U.S.A. Department of Agriculture, Agriculture Handbook,No.207 Markwardt, L.J., Wilson, T.R.C.,1935,Strength and related properties of woods grown in the United States,U.S.A. Department of Agriculture Technical Bulletin,No.479 Marshall, R.C.,1939,Silviculture of the trees of Trinidad and Tobago - British West Indies,O.U.P.,London Perpetua Hardwoods. Sea Star Trading Co. - Purveyors of Fine Wood. Newport, Oregon. Personal Communication, 1993. Record, S.J., Hess, R.W.,1943,Timbers of the New World,Yale University Press Record, S.J.,1927,Trees of Honduras,Tropical Woods,10, pp10-47 Saks, E.V.,1954,Tropical Hardwoods for veneer Production in Mexico,Caribbean Forester,15(3&4, pp112-9 Sallenave, P.,1955,Proprietes Phyiques et Mecaniques des Bois Tropicaux de l'Union Francaise,C.T.F.T Schulz, H., Grotthuss, O.K.N. von,1968,Investigacion de algunas Especies Arboreas de los Bosques Tropicales de,Mexico (2nd part,Mexico y sus Bosques,24(3,pp4-21 Slooten, H.J. van der, Venezuela-Laboratories Nacional de ProductosForestates,1971,Maderas Latino americanos 6 Bursera simaruba, Poulsenia armata,,Pterocarpus officinalis y Ficus werckleana,Turrialba,21(1,pp69-76 Swabey, C.,1941,The Principal Timbers of Jamaica,Department of Science and Agriculture Jamaica Bulletin No.29 Takahashi, A.,1975,Compilation of data on the Mechanical Properties of Foreign Woods (Part 2,Central and South America,Shimane University, Japan, Research Report on Foreign Wood No.4 Volkart, C.,1965,Recopilacion dedatos sobre propiedacies y usos maderos del Bosque Tropical,de las Costa Atlantica de Nicaragua,Turrialba,15(1, pp43-57 WCMC. 1992. Conservation Status Listing - Trees and Timbers of the World. World Conservation Monitoring Center-Plants Programme, Cambridge, CB3 ODL, United Kingdom.