LEAFLET 14 11 Figure 6. The gumbolimbo tree (West Indian Birch) (Bursera simaruba) has smooth bark, is up to 60 feet high, with a trunk up to three feet in diameter. The fruit is rounded, triangular, in clusters, with a thick, dark red covering (from Fla. Div. of Forestry, 1980). Figure 7. The Florida Poisontree (Hog Gum) (Metopium toxiferum) has thin, reddish or orange-brown bark, often spotted from exuded dried gum which has caustic properties. It grows up to 40 feet high and resembles-the nonpoisonous gumbolimbo. WARNING: Precautions should be taken inidentifying this tree, as it is as poisonous as poison ivy. All parts of thistree act as a contact skin-poison to many-people (frorn Fla. Div. of Forestry, 1980).