From the Prioress: Lessons of the Gumbo Limbo Tree

My love for trees developed when I was a child, growing up on my family’s farm. My dad was quite proud of the trees he planted, especially the red oak, which was his favorite. Recently, a video about a tree I had never heard of before captured my attention. It is the gumbo limbo tree (Bursera simaruba), which is native to Florida. I love saying the name of this tree, but I am also intrigued by its unique characteristics.

The gumbo limbo tree is sometimes referred to as the “tourist tree” because it has unusual red bark that peels back, reminiscent of sunburned skin. Underneath the bark, the wood is a unique green color that comes from chlorophyll, a byproduct of the process of photosynthesis that turns sunshine into food for the tree. Photosynthesis usually occurs in the leaves of trees, but the gumbo limbo has developed a way for photosynthesis to occur in its trunk.

During the hurricane season in Florida, strong, salty winds that strip leaves from trees deprive the trees of their food source, leading to death. However, the gumbo limbo trees survive this pruning process because their food is created in their trunk, not in their leaves. In addition, the gumbo limbo tree has a strong, durable trunk that makes it resistant to being uprooted by storms.

Gumbo limbo trees support the life of many other creatures. Their small, fragrant green flowers are an abundant source of nectar, attracting several species of bees and butterflies. The small berries they produce are a summer favorite for birds. Native Americans used the tree’s resin to make glue, varnish, and incense; the resin has medicinal properties as well. The trees are a critical part of the soil’s fertility and enhance overall biodiversity. The lightweight but sturdy wood of the trees is ideal for making carousel animals, model airplanes, and packing crates. This tree certainly knows how to give fully of itself.

The storms in our life can become the source of our pruning so our excess baggage no longer hinders us.

Many images and life lessons come to me as I reflect on these trees. A strong personal inner core can sustain us through turbulent times if the love and energy of the “Son,” Jesus Christ, is absorbed through our faith and trust. As St. Benedict says, “The love of Christ must come before all else” (Rule of Benedict [RB] 4:21).

The storms in our life can become the source of our pruning so that our excess baggage no longer hinders us. “Do not be daunted immediately by fear and run away from the road that leads to salvation … But run on the path of God’s commandments, our hearts overflowing with the inexpressible delight of love” (RB Prologue 48, 49).

The gumbo limbo tree’s hospitality to other creatures reminds us of our challenge to recognize that “all guests who present themselves are to be welcomed as Christ” (RB 53:1). Just as this tree gives totally of itself, we too are asked to commit ourselves to living our life for others. All our gifts, talents, and wisdom are given in the service of others. At the Mount, we live that out by welcoming guests, sharing our resources, and ministering to others at Sophia Spirituality Center and Keeler Women’s Center.

Just as a group of gumbo limbo trees provides a safe haven for all kinds of creatures, our monastic community invites us to be a place of safety and peace in which we help one another to thrive and survive.

As we celebrate our supporters and donors in this issue of Threshold, we thank all of you who sustain our community with your energy and life. May you be richly blessed.