| Positive | Monocromatico | On Feb 2, 2004, Monocromatico from Rio de Janeiro
Brazil (Zone 11) wrote:Clusia hilariana is native to the brazilian eastern coast, on the bushy vegetational formation over the coastal sandy plains called "restinga", where it frequently become the dominant species, and most times, the only tree around. Itīs even the main source of organic matter for many plants associated with it.
This is a short tree, reaching up to 5 meters tall. But itīs a slow grower, a plant of that size must be really old. In cultivation, Iīve seen only shrubs. The whole plant contains a white sap that may be allergenic to some people. The leaves are large, with a smooth surface and leathery, even succulent texture. You canīt bend it, it will crack off. The margins of the leaves are folded downwards, which characterizes this species.
The flowers are unisexual, meaning that there are male and female flowers (the species is dioecious, there are male and female plants). They both look similar, plain white, big, with a sticky resinous substance in the middle that atracts certain bees. The fruits are green, with persistant flat stigmas. The seeds are covered with an orange coat.
The "restinga" environment is characterized by a xeromorphi vegetation, although the rains are constant. But this plant only survives in certain spots where it doesnīt rain frequently, so it might be a good plant for xeriscaping. Give it white sand, full sun, air movement, specially if you live near the sea, and high temperatures. |
