SMALL LEAF CLUSIA

Small Leaf Clusia (Clusia guttifera) is a tropical evergreen shrub widely used in Florida landscapes for its dense foliage, durability, and modern aesthetic. Here’s a detailed overview:

✅ Appearance & Characteristics

Leaves: Thick, leathery, paddle-shaped, glossy dark green (4–6 inches long). Known as the “Autograph Plant” because scratches on leaves remain visible.
Flowers: Rare in cultivation; small pinkish-white blooms in warm climates.
Growth Habit: Dense, upright, bushy shrub; can be pruned into hedges or trained as a small tree.

✅ Size & Growth

Height: Typically 5–6 ft when trimmed as a hedge; can reach 20–25 ft if left unpruned.
Spread: 4–10 ft.
Growth Rate: Moderate to fast—about 2–2.5 ft per year under ideal conditions.
USDA Zones: 10–11 (best for South Florida; can be grown in containers in Zone 9B).
Cold Tolerance: Sensitive below 30°F; protect during freezes. [www.farmne…rksllc.com], [flnurserymart.com], [wilsongardenpots.com]

✅ Care & Maintenance

Light: Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hrs of sunlight daily for best growth).
Soil: Well-drained sandy or loamy soil; amend heavy soils with organic matter.
Water: Drought-tolerant once established; water regularly during establishment, then allow soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Fertilizer: Apply balanced slow-release fertilizer 2–3 times a year (spring and summer).
Pruning: Trim lightly for shape; avoid severe cuts to maintain natural form.
Spacing for Hedges:

3-gallon plants: 1.5 ft apart
7-gallon plants: 2 ft apart
15-gallon plants: 3 ft apart

✅ Salt & Drought Tolerance

Salt: High tolerance—ideal for coastal landscapes.
Drought: Excellent once established; thrives in Florida’s sandy soils.

✅ Landscape Uses

Privacy Hedge: Dense foliage creates an effective screen for noise and views.
Pool Enclosure: Adds a clean, tropical look around pools.
Specimen Plant: Can be pruned into a single trunk for a striking accent.
Container Planting: Works well in large pots for patios or entryways.
Windbreak & Coastal Buffer: Perfect for seaside homes thanks to salt tolerance.

✅ Special Features

Low Maintenance: Pest-resistant and hardy.
Modern Look: Complements contemporary and tropical designs.
Wildlife: Birds may eat the fruit; dense foliage offers nesting cover.

⚠️ Things to Watch

Cold Sensitivity: Protect during freezes.
Non-Native: Not a Florida native; consider mixing with natives for ecological balance.
Toxicity: Likely toxic to pets (similar to other Clusia species).