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The Forest Service National Center for Reforestation, Nurseries, and Genetic Resources (RNGR) is a leading source of technical information for nurseries and land managers regarding production and planting of trees and other native plants for reforestation, restoration, and conservation.

 
NPN Protocol Details Image

Clusia (rosea)

Gary Briggs
Geographic Consulting LLC
Box 430, Christiansted
Estate Calquohoun, St Croix,, Virgin Islands 00821-430
340- 778-0700
340-778-9000 (fax)
http://www.geographicconsulting.com/
Family Scientific Name: Clusiaceae
Family Common Name: Mangosteen Family
Scientific Name: Clusia rosea Jacq.
Common Name: Autograph tree
Species Code: CLUROS
Ecotype: Cultivated in St. Croix with few plants existing in the wild.
General Distribution: C. rosea is found throughout the West Indies from Bahamas to Cuba to Trinidad. Very rare is Florida Keys. Found also in southern Mexico to Colombia, Venezuela and French Guiana
Propagation Goal: plants
Propagation Method: seed
ProductType: Container (plug)
Stock Type: 3 gallon
Time To Grow: 0
Target Specifications: Height: 24 to 26 inches<br> Caliper: n/a<br> Root Plug: Firm root plug in 3 gallon container.<br>
Propagule Collection: C. rosea fruits most heavily in late summer but sporadically throughout the year. When fully ripe, it opens at ripeness into 7-9 parts, exposing seeds and orange flesh. It does not give much indication of ripening. Fruits should be taken directly from the tree because ants and bats consume fruit very quickly.
Propagule Processing: Seed has no endocarp, does not like to be handled and does not seem to store well.
Maintain seeds in the ripe fruit until time of planting (as with citrus). Do not extract seeds from fruit pulp as they desiccate VERY quickly. Plant whole mass together.
Pre-Planting Treatments: Break apart fruits and smear fruit pulp and seeds onto a paper towel. Plant the towel covered with seeds,immediately and cover lightly with growing media and irrigate until thorughly watered. immediately and cover with thin layer of potting material.
Plante into open flats using a commercial potting soil.
Germination %: Close to 100%.
Establishment Phase: Maintain in germination tray for about a month. Root structure will be developed, but still quite fragile. Remove seedlings from germination flar by teasing the seedlings apart in water to remove soil from roots.Transplant into individual containers.
Active Growth Phase: Seedlings grow very quickly and can be planted in large pots (up to 3 gallon) to avoid transplanting and future handling.
Mortality is low under 10%.
Hardening Phase: Salable size in a 3 gallon pot is about 24-30".
Other Comments: C. rosea is highly drought tolerant and will perform well on harsh sites.
C. rosea occurs as an epiphyte and a free standing tree. It is reported to be a parasite or strangler in other parts of the world, but this is rarely observed in St. Croix.
References: Little, E.J., Wadsworth, F.H. 1964. Common Trees of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Agriculture Handbook No. 249 U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service. Washington, D.C. 548 pp.

Jones, K., 1995 Native Trees for Community Forests. St. George Village Botanical Garden of St Croix, Inc. 124 pp.

Citation:

Briggs, Gary. 2003. Propagation protocol for production of Container (plug) Clusia rosea Jacq. plants 3 gallon; Geographic Consulting LLC Estate Calquohoun, St Croix,, Virgin Islands. In: Native Plant Network. URL: https://NativePlantNetwork.org (accessed 2025/04/25). US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, National Center for Reforestation, Nurseries, and Genetic Resources.