Autograph Tree, Balsam Apple, Fat Park Tree

Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade

Origin: Southern Mexico to northern South America, West Indies

Growth Habits: Large evergreen shrub or tree, 20 to 50 feet tall (6-15 m), 15 to 30 feet spread (4.5 to 9 m); thick, leathery keaves, 5 to 7 inches long (12-17 cm) or more

Watering Needs: Moderate water, tolerates drought and salty conditions

Propagation: Seeds, hardwood cuttings

Clusia rosea, flower, photo by Forest & Kim Starr

Gutta-percha is a resin extracted from the seeds. Many of the species of clusia start their life as epiphyte. The glue helps the seed to stick to the branches.
'Variegata' is a cultivar with striking yellow and green foliage.

Clusia rosea, fruit, photo by Forest & Kim Starr

Blooming Habits:
Dioecious. Showy, drooping, flowers, 3 inches in diameter (7.5 cm) with thick pearly pink petals and yellow stamens. The Clusia blooms during the warmest months.

Fruiting Habits:
Woody, green pod, 3 to 6 inches long (7-15 cm), blackish when mature, splitting to reveal red seeds in a resinous flesh.