The Clusia rosea, often known by the wonderful and descriptive common name Autograph Tree or sometimes the Pitch Apple, is a fantastic choice for adding a touch of the tropical to your home or garden, depending on your climate. It is a popular and sought-after indoor plant that effortlessly enhances the beauty and ambiance of any space.

Distinctive Features and Foliage

This botanical gem is an evergreen, meaning its striking, handsome leaves provide year-round interest. Its most distinctive feature is its foliage—the leaves are thick, stiff, paddle-like, and boast a lovely, glossy, emerald-green colour. They are quite leathery and waxy to the touch.

The common name Autograph Tree comes from a curious property: you can scratch a name or initial onto the thick leaf surface with a fingernail, and the mark will remain etched there as the leaf grows, leaving a lasting impression—just like an autograph!

The specific variety you have, 'Princess', is a compact cultivar, making it particularly well-suited for indoor use or as a smaller shrub in suitable outdoor settings.

Growth and Flowering

While the Clusia rosea is derived from tropical regions and can grow in environments ranging from rainforests to city apartments, its ultimate size depends heavily on its container and environment. Your plant, starting in a 12 cm pot, will remain much smaller indoors. It typically grows to around 30 cm (12 inches) in height, making it perfectly suitable for smaller spaces or as a decorative tabletop addition.

In its native environment, the tree can reach impressive heights of 25 to 30 feet (7.6m - 9.1m), but as a houseplant, it can be easily maintained with pruning to keep its size in check, reaching perhaps 5 feet (1.5m) over many years.

Clusia rosea can flower, although it does so less frequently when grown indoors. When it does, the plant produces beautiful, pale pink to white flowers, often appearing during the summer months. These flowers give way to fleshy, light green, round fruits that split open when ripe, revealing attractive bright red seeds, which are dispersed by birds in the wild.

The plant does not have any spines. It also is not significantly known for a strong fragrance.

Essential Care and Watering

Caring for your Autograph Tree is relatively straightforward. It thrives in conditions that mimic its tropical origin, preferring bright, indirect light which is often described as partial shade or half shade. It can tolerate low to medium light, making it an excellent choice for indoor environments with filtered sunlight. Avoid intense, direct, midday sun, which can scorch its leaves.

For watering, this beauty has an easy-care nature. You should aim to water it once a week, ensuring the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. Allow the top inch or two of the soil to dry out completely between waterings. It loves humidity, so placing it in a steamy spot or giving it a regular misting will help keep the foliage looking its best.

Pruning in the spring is a good idea to help maintain a bushy, well-formed shape.

Note: The Autograph Tree (Clusia rosea) is considered toxic if ingested. The leaves and particularly the fruit contain toxic principles (terpenes) that can cause digestive upset, vomiting, and other clinical signs. It is important to note that while this plant adds beauty to your space, it is not edible. Keep it out of reach of pets (dogs, cats, horses) and young children.