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Description
Clusia Major is a plant native to the Caribbean and South America, known for its thick, waxy leaves and beautiful flowers. It is a hardy plant that is easy to care for and is perfect for any garden. The plant is also known as “Autograph Tree” due to the fact that the thick leaves can be written on with a sharp object, leaving a permanent “signature”. Clusia Major is a popular plant due to its unique appearance and durability.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Magnoliophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Family | Clusiaceae |
| Genus | Clusia |
Appearance
Clusia Major is a dense, evergreen shrub or small tree that can grow up to 30 feet in height in the wild, but typically stays much smaller in cultivation. The plant has thick, waxy leaves that are oval-shaped, dark green, and can grow up to 10 inches long. The leaves are leathery and have a smooth texture. The plant produces small, white or pinkish flowers that are about 2 inches in diameter and have a waxy texture. The flowers bloom in the summer and fall, and are followed by small, red fruits that are about 1 inch in diameter.
Care Guide
Clusia Major is a hardy plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips on how to care for this plant:Water: The plant prefers well-drained soil and should be watered regularly. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged.Fertilization: The plant benefits from regular fertilization, especially during the growing season. Use a balanced fertilizer and follow the instructions on the package.Soil: Clusia Major prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soil. The soil should be rich in organic matter.Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but will not flower as well.Hardiness Zones: Clusia Major is hardy in zones 9-11, but can be grown in other zones as well.
Common Pests & Diseases
Clusia Major is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but may occasionally be affected by scale insects, mealybugs, or spider mites. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil. The plant may also be affected by root rot if overwatered, so be sure to provide good drainage.
Habitat
Clusia Major is native to the Caribbean and South America, where it grows in a variety of habitats, including forests, savannas, and coastal areas. The plant is well adapted to hot and humid conditions, and can tolerate a wide range of soil types.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Clusia Major be grown indoors?A: Yes, Clusia Major can be grown indoors, but it prefers bright, indirect light. It may not flower as well indoors as it would outdoors.Q: How often should I fertilize Clusia Major?A: Clusia Major benefits from regular fertilization during the growing season. Follow the instructions on the package for application rates.Q: How often should I water Clusia Major?A: Clusia Major should be watered regularly, but the soil should be allowed to dry out slightly between waterings.Q: How big can Clusia Major grow?A: Clusia Major can grow up to 30 feet tall in the wild, but typically stays much smaller in cultivation.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Clusia Major:- Clusia rosea- Clusia guttifera- Clusia lanceolata- Clusia fluminensis
References
– “Clusia Major.” Floridata. Accessed 12 July 2021. https://floridata.com/plant/1916.- “Clusia Major.” University of Florida IFAS Extension. Accessed 12 July 2021. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/st441.- “Autograph Tree.” University of Florida IFAS Extension. Accessed 12 July 2021. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/EP062.
