Turpentine tree

Scientific name: Bursera simaruba

POWO Status: Tree

IUCN Red List threat level: Least Concern

GPS Location: 17° 42′ 56.89″ N, 64° 49′ 46.36″ W

Medicinal Uses

Bursera simaruba, or Gumbo Limbo, is a traditional medicinal plant used across the Americas for its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antivenin properties, with applications for skin issues (rashes, sores, sunburn), fevers, colds, digestive problems (diarrhea, colic), pain, and as a diuretic, often using bark infusions or leaf poultices for various ailments. Its resin (elemi) and extracts show potential in treating infections, inflammation, and even as an antidote for poison ivy-like reactions, with scientific studies supporting its traditional uses for pain, inflammation, and some metabolic conditions.

Common Medicinal Uses (Traditional)

Skin Conditions: Rashes, sores, sunburn, insect bites, measles, and as an antiseptic wash.
Pain & Inflammation: Aches, rheumatism, muscle fatigue, and swelling.
Fever & Colds: Used for fevers, flu, and as an expectorant.
Digestive Issues: Diarrhea, dysentery, colic, and stomach aches.
Venereal Diseases: Used in several regions for syphilis and gonorrhea.
Detoxification: As a diuretic (increasing urination) and for blood cleansing.
Antivenin: Bark used for snakebites in some areas.

Specific Applications & Properties

Anti-inflammatory: Leaves and bark extracts show anti-inflammatory effects, helping with pain and swelling.
Antibacterial: Contains compounds active against bacteria, useful for infections.
Antioxidant: Exhibits antioxidant properties, protecting cells from damage.
Antidiabetic: Some extracts show potential in inhibiting enzymes related to blood sugar regulation (though results vary).
Antidote: Effective against skin irritations from plants like Metopium toxiferum (poisonwood).

How It’s Used

Barks & Leaves: Boiled to make teas, washes, or infusions.
Resin (Elemi): Applied topically for skin issues or burned as incense.

Observations:

**Phenological Markers for Turpentine Tree (Bursera simaruba)**

1. Leaf Drop and Leaf Flush

Although often labeled as “evergreen,” Bursera simaruba is actually deciduous or semi-deciduous, especially in response to dry-season stress.

Trees may lose most or all of their leaves during prolonged dry periods.
Leaf flush typically follows the first significant rains or shift into the wet season.
New leaves emerge quickly and are soft, bright green, and compound.

Observation tips:

Record first signs of leaf yellowing or browning.
Track peak defoliation (if full leaf drop occurs).
Note first appearance of new leaflets and duration of full canopy recovery.

In St. Croix, you may see partial defoliation during the drier months (Dec–Apr) and flushes beginning around May or June, depending on rainfall.

2. Flowering

Flowers are small, greenish-white, and grow in clusters (inflorescences). While not showy, they are important phenological indicators.

Flowering tends to occur before or just after the onset of new leaves.
This often happens in the transition between dry and wet seasons.

Observation tips:

Watch for inflorescence development on bare or newly leafed branches.
Document first bloom, peak bloom, and end of flowering.
Note insect activity, as flowers attract bees and small pollinators.

3. Fruit Development

Fruits are small, dry drupes—oval and about the size of a small grape—often with red or orange coloring when mature.

Fruiting follows flowering and may overlap with new leaf growth.
Mature fruits typically split open to expose a single black seed, often with a red aril, attracting birds.

Observation tips:

Track fruit set, noting early vs. mature stages.
Record fruit color change and seed exposure.
Observe fruit drop or removal by wildlife (especially birds like tanagers or thrashers).

4. Bark Behavior and Lichen/Epiphytes

The red, papery bark peels year-round but may intensify during growth spurts or following rainfall. Bark surfaces are often host to lichens and mosses, which can show seasonal variation.

Observation tips:

Note changes in bark exfoliation (increase/decrease).
Photograph bark monthly to monitor lichen or moss density as a microclimate indicator.

Summary Table for Turpentine Tree Phenophases

Phenophase	Description	Approx. Timing (St. Croix)
Leaf drop	Partial or complete in dry season	Dec–Apr
Leaf flush	New leaves emerge, bright green	Apr–Jun (after rains)
Flowering	Small green-white flowers on branches	Mar–Jun (varies with rainfall)
Fruiting	Red/orange drupes split to reveal seed	May–Jul or overlapping flowering
Bark activity	Year-round peeling; increases post-rain	Year-round, esp. wet season