Autograph Tree

Scientific name: Clusia rosea

POWO Status: Tree

IUCN Red List threat level: Least Concern

GPS Location: 17° 42′ 52.17″ N, 64° 49′ 46.52″ W

Observations:

1. Leaf Behavior
This tree is evergreen, with broad, leathery, dark green leaves that are opposite and obovate (wider at the tip).

Leaf drop is minimal and unsynchronized, often replaced quickly by new growth.
Leaves are long-lived and may accumulate inscriptions (e.g., initials carved by visitors), which persist for years.

Observation Tips:

Watch for new leaf emergence—young leaves are pale green and tender, often clustered near branch tips.
Minimal seasonal variation, but leaf flushes may follow rainfall or pruning.

2. Flowering
Flowers are large (3–4 inches across), wax-like, and pale pink to white, with a bright yellow center.

Flowers are bisexual and fragrant, usually opening in the morning and closing by afternoon.
In St. Croix, flowering may occur sporadically year-round, but is more likely in the wet season (May–October).
Flowers are pollinated by bees, though they produce little nectar.

Observation Tips:

3. Fruiting
Fruits are round, green capsules that split open like a star when mature, revealing bright red pulp and shiny black seeds.

Fruit ripening and seed dispersal occur several months after flowering, often in late wet to early dry season.
The colorful seeds are dispersed by birds and gravity.

Observation Tips:

Observe capsule development and splitting—the dehisced fruit is visually striking.
Note seed drop and removal by birds or other wildlife.

4. Growth Habit
The Autograph Tree often begins life as an epiphyte, establishing in the crooks of other trees before sending down roots.

As it matures, it becomes a free-standing tree with a wide, spreading canopy and thick, twisting branches.
This trait makes older individuals especially photogenic and useful for educational phenology material.

5. Seasonal Pattern (St. Croix)