Description

Small Leaf Clusia – Clusia Guttifera Overview

Clusia Guttifera (Small Leaf Clusia) is an attractive evergreen shrub or small tree, available in two forms: as a single-trunk specimen tree with an irregular rounded crown and distinctive red peeling bark, or — most commonly — as a low-branching, dense Clusia Guttifera hedge. Browse our full range of hedging shrubs for sale at Treeworld Wholesale.

Small Leaf Clusia – Description

The small evergreen leaves are thick, glossy, waxy, and bright green — paddle-shaped, resembling the leaves of the Southern Magnolia. The leaves contain a white latex that is a skin irritant and toxic if ingested; seeds should also be handled with gloves. A well-known curiosity: it is possible to write on the leaves by scratching the waxy surface with a fingernail. In cultivation the plant rarely flowers. Propagation is by softwood cuttings or seed.

Clusia Guttifera Hedge – Cultivation & Landscape Use

Clusia Guttifera is one of South Florida’s most popular hedge plants, and for good reason. Once established, it is hardy, tolerates poor rocky soils, and is drought-tolerant, salt-tolerant, and pest-resistant. Its slow, controlled growth rate makes it easy to maintain, while producing a dense, virtually impenetrable privacy hedge — ideal for property boundaries, pool screens, and coastal gardens.

Its dense structure also makes it highly effective as a natural noise barrier, reducing sound from roads and neighboring properties. In tree form, it serves as an elegant specimen or accent plant for patios and gardens.

There is also a dwarf variety, Clusia Guttifera ‘Nana’, suitable for training as a bonsai plant. Available at our Homestead nursery in sizes from 25 to 300 gallons, suitable for residential gardens and wholesale landscape projects.

🌳 More popular and beautiful plants: Clusia Rosea hedge