Clusia rosea

autograph tree

This plant is known as the autograph tree because its leaves are so thick, one can inscribe on them with a pointed implement. Spanish soldiers used these leaves as notepaper and makeshift playing cards. The plant is also known as pitch apple because the sticky black substance surrounding the seeds was once used to caulk boat seams.

Autograph tree can grow well in a wide range of soils, is tolerant of salt spray, and enjoys full sun to part shade.