Seven-Year Apple
Genipa clusiifolia
Plant Family: Rubiaceae
Leaves: Opposite, simple, obovate, glossy, with rounded apices, the margins are rolled under, to 15 cm; the leaves tend to cluster at the twig ends; the midribs are thick and cream-colored at the base.
Bark: Light mottled gray or brown, rough to blocky on older specimens.
Flowers: Dioecious, white, with five sharp-pointed petals, found at the twig ends from spring into summer.
Fruits: Green, large and egg-shaped, to 10 cm, held at the twig ends, turning darker and eventually puckering like a prune when ripe. This process takes months, but not seven years! Some people like the taste of the pulp but most do not. The seeds are mildly toxic.
Habitat: Coastal hammocks, beaches, sandy soils; also commonly planted as an ornamental.
Growth Form: A shrub to small tree with very attractive flowers, fruits, and foliage.
Similar Species: Florida Clusea (Clusia rosea) has duller green leaves and attains medium tree height, larger than this species.
Comments: In older field guides this species is referenced as Casasia clusiifolia.
