Clusia Tree (Clusia guttifera)
The Clusia Tree is the small-leaf Clusia, scientifically known as Clusia guttifera, grown and trained into tree form. It is the same tough, salt-tolerant plant South Florida relies on for privacy hedges, but with the lower branches cleared and the canopy lifted onto one or more clean trunks so it reads as a tree rather than a hedge. The result is a full, glossy green canopy on a neat trunk that works as a screen, a backdrop, or a stand-alone accent. Note that this is not Clusia rosea (the Autograph Tree / Pitch Apple), which has much larger leaves and a coarser, more open habit.
Why Florida Customers Choose Us
Clusia Tree Breakdown
Appearance:
Dense clusters of thick, glossy, spoon-shaped leaves about 2-4 inches long, a bit smaller and tighter than the leaves on Clusia rosea.
New growth comes in a bright light green and darkens as it matures. Each tree is staked and trained on one or more smooth, light-gray trunks with the canopy starting roughly 3-4 feet off the ground. Mature trees can produce small pinkish-white flowers and green fruit that splits open to show red seeds.
Growth Rate:
Moderate.
Fills in and thickens up steadily, and the canopy can be kept tight with light shearing or allowed to grow more naturally.
Size:
Our 25-gallon trees arrive at 8-10 feet overall and our 45-gallon trees at 10-12 feet.
Left to grow, a Clusia guttifera tree will typically reach 15-20 feet tall with a canopy 8-12 feet wide.
Sunlight Requirements:
Full sun to partial shade.
Full sun gives the densest canopy and best color.
Water Needs:
Low once established.
Water regularly for the first few months while the roots settle in, then only during extended dry spells. Needs well-draining soil; Clusia does not like sitting in water.
Soil Preferences:
Sandy, rocky, or loamy soils all work as long as they drain.
Handles slightly acidic to alkaline pH and is highly salt-tolerant, so it is a great choice near the coast and along the Intracoastal.
Maintenance:
Low.
Remove any suckers that sprout on the trunk to keep the tree form clean, and shape the canopy once or twice a year if you want a tighter look. Feed with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring and late summer. Keep the stakes on for the first 6-12 months until the trunk is self-supporting.
Spacing:
Plant 6-8 feet on center for a continuous elevated privacy screen, or use singly as an accent.
Landscape Use:
Elevated privacy screen along a fence or pool cage, a clean green backdrop behind a hedge or planter bed, driveway or entry accents, and narrow side yards where you want height and screening without a wide footprint.
Popular in coastal and modern landscapes.
Climate Tolerance:
Hardy in USDA zones 10-12.
Thrives in South Florida heat, humidity, and salt spray and shrugs off wind. Tolerates a brief light frost but should be protected from hard freezes.
The Clusia Tree gives you the durability of the classic small-leaf Clusia hedge in an upright, elevated form. If you want the glossy, tropical look of Clusia but need height, a clean trunk, or screening above a fence line, this is the plant to choose.
Florida Delivery Available
We have in-stock Clusia Tree ready to ship throughout Florida. Multiple sizes available with professional installation options. Order online or text/call 561-898-2028 for expert advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Plant & Care for Clusia Tree in Florida
Layout Spacing (by Pot Size)
Palm Beach County guideline: 3 gal ≈ 1.5 ft apart, 7 gal ≈ 2 ft, 15 gal ≈ 3 ft, 25 gal ≈ 4 ft (center-to-center). Use a string line for a perfectly straight hedge.
Prep the Trench / Holes
For hedges, a continuous trench (or evenly sized holes) helps keep the line straight. Dig 2–3x wider than the root ball and slightly shallow so the root ball sits a touch high.
Plant for Fast Rooting
Slide out of the pot, loosen circling roots, and plant with the top of the root ball level to slightly above grade. Backfill with native soil and firm gently.
Water Schedule (Most Important)
Days 1–14: deep soak daily. Weeks 3–4: taper to ~3–4x/week depending on rain/soil. Goal: keep the root ball consistently moist (not soggy).
Trim for Density
After a few weeks, lightly tip-prune to push branching. Regular light trims create the thick “wall” look without stressing the plant.
Professional Installation Available: Not comfortable planting yourself? We offer expert installation services throughout Florida. Our team has 15+ years of experience ensuring your plants thrive. Call 561-898-2028 to add installation to your order.
What Florida Customers Say
I bought 12 plants. All in excellent condition. Good size. Delivery was on time. Thank you. I recommend it.
Dino's Palms just completed a full landscape install at our property in Tequesta. They planted 10 Christmas palms, 9 Coconuts, Silver buttonwood trees, hundreds of clusia, and more small plants. I cannot speak highly enough about the quality and service.
Highly recommend! Super communicative, did a great job installing and all-around fit our budget while still providing excellent quality, beautiful plants! We will be repeat customers!
