Clusia Species, Autograph Tree, Balsam Apple, Pitch-Apple, Scotch Attorney

I have the variegated form, very attractive plant, although not the fastest grower. It does fine in my 9b yard with just a few brown spo...Read Morets on the leaves after a couple of cold days in January. I have it in the southeast part of my yard, where it gets afternoon sun and some nearby Oak trees probably offer it some protection on cold nights.

I live in South Florida and have a couple of these in my yard. They are growing in virtual sand with no water other than occasional rain,...Read More yet they remain healthy and green all the time. It's been down in the 30s a couple of nights this year and no damage has been visible on the plants. Works well as a screen. Not so crazy about the look as a hedge that my neighbors have. Seems a little unnatural in hedge form to me. Love this plant!

A gorgeous, South Florida native (the entire genus is native to the tropical and subtropical Americas). They are common in coastal lands...Read Morecaping and can grow into magnificent trees, or grow as an epiphyte on another tree or wall. The common name "Autograph Tree" comes from the bruising on the leaves after they are etched into. Names or words are left clearly visible and these leaves will stay on the tree for a few years.

Aloha, there is also a nice yellow variegated variety of this tree that is totally stunning. A little slower growing and lower branching,...Read More but very nice up close and from a distance. These plants root very easily from new growth allowed to dry for a day. It self sows readily too and even will grow and thrive for years in branch unions of trees. For hedging, severe pruning to maintain compactness is needed occasionally. Tree form or hedge, it is beautiful in bloom, always healthy, and has stunning large seed pods that open like a woodrose.