Bursera inversa is the first new species of the genus to be described from South America in 90 years. The ecology of this species is remarkable because it is a large (to 25 m x 40 cm or greater) canopy tree of primary moist to wet lowland forest. It is easily distinguished from its congeners by its large, obovoid fruits and bony pyrene. A key to the South American species of Bursera is provided.