Autograph Tree
(Pitch Apple)
Clusia rosea
Plant Family: Clusiaceae
Leaves: Opposite, simple, obovate, thick and leathery, to 18 cm, dark green above, lighter below, apices broadly rounded.
Bark: Light brown with lenticels, large leaf scars are present on the branches.
Flowers: The showy flowers have white and pink petals and a yellow center; mostly summer, sometimes at other times of the year.
Fruits: Round, fairly large, to 8 cm in diameter, green ripening to brown, splitting to reveal red, pulpy seeds that attract birds; seen in fall.
Habitat: Native to hammocks of the West Indies, uncommonly found in Keys hammocks, leading some botanists to question its status as a Florida native; widely planted on the Keys.
Growth Form: A small to medium-sized shrubby tree that may start as an epiphyte on another tree.
Similar Species: Seven-year Apple (Genipa clusifolia) has brighter green, shiny leaves.
Comments: Marks made on the surface of the thick leaves will remain until they fall, explaining the common name. Autograph tree is drought resistant and salt tolerant, making it perfect for coastal plantings.
