SafePlants

Clusia rosea: The Autograph Tree

Clusia rosea, commonly known as the Autograph Tree, Scotch attorney, copey, or pitch-apple, is a fascinating plant species with unique characteristics and an interesting history.

Considerations for Pets

• This plant has leaves tough enough to be scratched, suggesting a robust texture that may be difficult for some animals to digest.
• It has a milky sap similar to other plants in the Apocynaceae family.

Considerations for Children

• Children may be tempted to scratch designs on the leaves, potentially leading to ingestion of plant material or contact with the plant's sap.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Clusia rosea Jacq.
• Synonyms: Clusia major
• Common Names: Autograph Tree, Scotch attorney, copey, pitch-apple, Florida Clusia, Signature Tree, wild mammey apple
• Belongs to the genus Clusia and the family Clusiaceae.

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to the Caribbean area.
• Also found in tropical and subtropical regions.
• Observed in Hawaii.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Grows to approximately 10 meters (30 feet) in height.
• Possesses stout, long-lasting leaves that are about 10 cm (4 inches) long.
• Can grow as a tree or in a tree-like form.
• Some varieties have white flowers.

Quirky Facts

• It is called the "Autograph Tree" because its leaves are sturdy enough to be scratched with signatures and other markings. These markings remain visible for a long time, making it a living autograph book.

Ecological Role

• It can be a "mixed blessing," meaning that while it has ornamental value, its presence may have other implications. It has the potential to twine around trees, meaning that it grows on other trees' trunks.

Further Information

• Information can be found on Discover Life's page about Clusia rosea.
• Photos and information are available from the Plants of Hawaii project by Forest and Kim Starr.
• Additional resources and community tips can be found on Dave's Garden.