Bursera simaruba, Gumbo-Limbo Tree

[aloetom]

Hi Everyone,

Has anyone got any data on growing Bursera simaruba in Southern California.

Have any been tried here ?

Thanking everybody in advance for any information,

Tom

[palmmermaid]

Tom,

I know here in Florida where they are native, they do not like to stand in water and prefer calcareous soil. There is a relative - Busera microphylla - that grows in Anza-Borrego Park. They look similar. I would give it a try if it isn't too expensive.

[aloetom]

Tom,

I know here in Florida where they are native, they do not like to stand in water and prefer calcareous soil. There is a relative - Busera microphylla - that grows in Anza-Borrego Park. They look similar. I would give it a try if it isn't too expensive.

Thank you for the reply and suggestion.

I am still interested inmore info about B.simaruba, as it is much larger, tropical looking species. I have many of the Mexican species and they do grow well in our area, but they wouldn't mix well in a wetter palm garden planting.

Thanks again!

[fastfeat]

Tom--

I've never seen any successful plantings of B. simaruba in all my years in SoCal, though after seeing it grow in some truly wretched, torturous conditions in SoFla, I too thought it could possibly make it in a protected spot with excellent drainage (so cold winter rains don't rot it). Like Delonix species in SoCal, I suspect that cold, wet soil limits success more than actual frost damage does.

I'd try growing in a container (that could be moved under cover from rain, cold) for a few years to first gain some knowledge about its tolerances before I planted it out. Good luck.

[palmmermaid]

I agree with Fastfeat's suggestions. Mine have survived low temps this past winter and the one before. They defoliated but the leaves came back. They definitely need well-drained soil. If yours doesn't have enough calcium, you can mix in some shell rock, oyster shells, anything that will leach calcium into the soil. They are pretty fast growers here so get a large pot. You might plant it on a mound to improve the drainage.

[aloetom]

Thanks Gang for the replies !

Both contain good ideas !