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Glite Dictionary
Bursera simaruba

Bursera simaruba

9.9
A tropical tree from the Americas that makes a sticky reddish sap used for varnish and cement
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : Bursera simaruba
  • The resin from Bursera simaruba is commonly used in the production of varnishes.

Examples

  • The striking peeling bark of Bursera simaruba has given it the nickname 'tourist tree.'

  • Many artisans use Bursera simaruba resin in their crafts.

  • Many gardeners in the tropics appreciate the fast growth of Bursera simaruba.

  • The Bursera simaruba tree is known for its distinctive bark.

  • The resin from Bursera simaruba is commonly used in the production of varnishes.

  • Many artisans use Bursera simaruba resin in their crafts.

  • Many gardeners in the tropics appreciate the fast growth of Bursera simaruba.

Synonyms

gumbo-limbo
vsBursera simaruba
  • Specialized
9.9

A tropical tree with smooth red bark that gives a sticky resin used for varnish

is the scientific name for the same tree

Surface Forms

Bursera simaruba singular
Bursera simarubas plural

Morphology

Bursera + simaruba

This is a scientific Latin binomial: while 'Bursera' signals a genus of trees, 'simaruba' is not an English lexical item and offers no transparent sense. The full label functions as an arbitrary species name (a proper noun) rather than a compositional phrase, so a B1 learner knowing the constituents would not be able to infer the specific meaning 'tropical tree/gumbo-limbo'.

Etymology

Bursera simaruba is a tropical tree with bright, peeling red bark that looks like sunburned skin, which is why people call it the 'tourist tree'. Its sticky, reddish 'resin', a kind of natural gum, was used in cements and varnishes, so the name points to a tree that peels like a tourist and makes useful varnish material.