Clusia

Clusia guttifera, commonly known as the small-leaf clusia or pitch apple, is a tough, tropical evergreen shrub featuring thick, glossy, paddle-shaped leaves. It is widely used for dense privacy hedges, accent plantings, and container growth because of its clean, modern look and low-maintenance needs.

Plant Profile & Care

• Size: Grows 10 to 25 feet tall if untrimmed, but easily kept pruned at 4 to 8 feet as a hedge.
• Sunlight: Thrives in full sun to partial shade (at least 6 hours of direct sun is best).
• Water: Low water needs once established; highly drought-tolerant but needs regular watering during its first year.
• Soil: Requires well-draining sandy or rocky soil. Highly tolerant of coastal salt winds and salty soil.
• Hardiness: Best suited for warm tropical climates (USDA Zones 10–11); it is not frost-hardy.

Uses in Landscaping

• Privacy Screen: Planted closely together (1.5 to 3 feet apart depending on pot/plant size) to create a thick, living wall.
• Tolerant Nature: Resists heavy pruning well, tolerates irregular watering, and can even be grown indoors as a potted houseplant in cooler regions.