Scotch Attorney, Pitch-Apple, Autograph Tree, Florida Clusia
Clusia rosea (Autograph Tree) is a wide-spreading, terrestrial or epiphytic, evergreen tree with a short trunk and a densely-foliated, rounded crown. Reminiscent of magnolia leaves, the handsome leaves are thick, paddle-like, dull green above, olive green underneath, 3-6 in. long (7-15 cm). They can be written on with a fingernail – hence the common name. Blooming all year-round, with a peak in summer, showy, pink and white flowers, 2-3 in. across (5-7 cm), open at night and sometimes remain open all morning on cloudy days. Borne near the branch tips, they give way to fleshy, light green, poisonous fruits, 3 in. in diameter (7 cm). These persistent fruits turn black when ripe and split open, revealing bright red seeds. Attractive to birds and other wildlife, the seeds germinate readily in the landscape. The bark is gray-brown and mostly smooth, with a slightly warty texture. Native to Mexico, Florida, and much of Central America, the Caribbean, and northern South America, Autograph Tree is usually grown for its attractive foliage, showy flowers, and fruits. Wind resistant (hurricane), it is excellent for seaside landscapes since it is highly tolerant of salt and drought. Autograph Tree is also often used as a screen or hedge and is ideal for espalier.
Hardiness |
10 - 11 |
---|---|
Plant Type | Trees |
Plant Family | Clusiaceae |
Common names | Autograph Tree |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early, Mid, Late) Summer (Early, Mid, Late) Fall Winter |
Height |
25' - 30' (7.6m - 9.1m) |
Spread |
15' - 25' (4.6m - 7.6m) |
Maintenance | Low |
Water Needs | Low |
Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy, Evergreen, Fruit & Berries |
Native Plants | Florida, Southeast, United States |
Tolerance | Drought, Salt |
Attracts | Birds |
Garden Styles | Coastal Garden |
Hardiness |
10 - 11 |
---|---|
Plant Type | Trees |
Plant Family | Clusiaceae |
Common names | Autograph Tree |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early, Mid, Late) Summer (Early, Mid, Late) Fall Winter |
Height |
25' - 30' (7.6m - 9.1m) |
Spread |
15' - 25' (4.6m - 7.6m) |
Maintenance | Low |
Water Needs | Low |
Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy, Evergreen, Fruit & Berries |
Native Plants | Florida, Southeast, United States |
Tolerance | Drought, Salt |
Attracts | Birds |
Garden Styles | Coastal Garden |
How many Clusia rosea (Autograph Tree) do I need for my garden?
Plant | Quantity | |
---|---|---|
Clusia rosea (Autograph Tree) | N/A | Buy Plants |
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Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.
Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
Join now and start creating your dream garden!