Pitch Apple - Clusia rosea (also called Scottish asphodel), is most easily recognized in Southern Florida by it's large opposite, stiff and obovate leaves. An evergreen large shrub or small tree that can reach heights of up to 55 feet tall, but usually much shorter on average. The Pitch Apple is considered to be native to South Florida by many, and non-native by others, it is found on disturbed sites and in hammocks it is widely cultivated but uncommon in natural undisturbed locations. Pitch Apple is similar in appearance to the Seven Year Apple which also has opposite, simply shaped leaves but dark green lustrous upper surface instead of dull surface.
Image Citation: Forest and Kim Starr, Starr Environmental, Bugwood.org
The Pitch Apple grows in an erect form with a single trunk and dense crown. The leaves are opposite, obvate or paddle shaped, simple, thick and very stiff. The upper leaf surface is a dull grayish green with a lower surface that is yellow green. The flowers are bisexual and born in short-stalked clusters of 1-3 with 6-12 lustrous white petals that are tinged with pink. The fruit is rounded and 5-6 cm in diameter, becoming brown at maturity and splitting in sections to expose large red seeds.
Image Citation: Forest and Kim Starr, Starr Environmental, Bugwood.org
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