Hurricane Irma Damages Nation's Largest Gumbo Limbo Tree At De Soto National Memorial

BRADENTON, FL – Arborists are trying to save an iconic tree at De Soto National Memorial park that suffered significant damage from the high winds of Hurricane Irma. The national champion gumbo limbo tree has two cracks in the trunk, creating critical stress on the tree, according to a press release. Arborists discovered the cracks last week.

The De Soto National Memorial gumbo limbo tree was listed as an American Forests Champion Tree in 2007. At a height of 45 feet with a circumference of 195 inches, it is the national champion tree for the species, meaning it is the largest known tree of its kind in the country.

A second gumbo limbo at the southwest corner of the visitor center was damaged and cannot be saved. The Category 2 hurricane winds of Irma cracked and twisted the trunk, bringing down a large section of the tree. Arborists have inspected the tree and determined it will have to be removed. The gumbo limbo (bursera simaruba) is considered one of the most hurricane-resistant trees.

“The national champion gumbo limbo is an icon in the Bradenton community and we will fight to save it if we can do so in a matter that does not negatively impact the safety of visitors or their experience,” said Nathan Souder, superintendent of De Soto National Memorial. “We are gathering information from certified arborists and exploring options so that we can make an informed decision before moving forward.”

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While cables were installed several years ago to improve the national champion gumbo limbo’s structural integrity, they have been determined to be insufficient for the weight of the threatened portion of the tree, estimated to be 25,000 pounds.

The National Park Service has temporarily roped off a safe zone around the tree, but because of its location, this blocks the main, wheelchair accessible walkway to the visitor center. Visitors can still access the building using an alternate trail.

Estimated to be 80 years old, the tree was present when the Colonial Dames of America dedicated the adjacent De Soto Trail monument in 1939 and is an important part of the park’s cultural landscape.

“Gumbo limbo trees will always have a place at De Soto National Memorial,” said Souder. A previous national champion gumbo limbo tree was lost years ago but several of its branches were planted to create new trees on the north side of the sidewalk leading to the visitor center.

De Soto National Memorial commemorates Hernando De Soto's 1539 expedition through the southern U.S. and tells the history of the Native American tribal societies they encountered.

The gumbo limbo tree is native to South Florida and the tropical offshore islands, according to the University of Florida's Gardening Solutions website. It can reach 60 feet in height. The trunk and branches are thick and "are covered with resinous, smooth, peeling coppery-colored bark," according to the UF website. The gumbo-limbo is often referred to as the "tourist tree" because the tree's bark is red and peeling, like the skin of a sun burnt tourist.

Learn more at www.nps.gov/deso or follow De Soto National Memorial on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/DESO1539/.

Image via National Park Service