Clusia hilariana, commonly known as Autograph Tree, is an evergreen tree or shrub native to the Atlantic Forest biome in Central and Southeastern Brazil, where it thrives in a variety of habitats including coastal forests, rocky outcrops, and sandy soils. It typically reaches a height of 12-23 feet (4-7 meters) and a width of 9-17 feet (2.7-5.2 meters). The Autograph Tree is notable for its thick, leathery leaves that are often inscribed with names or messages, which remain visible for a long time. It produces showy pink and white flowers during the summer, which are followed by interesting green fruits that turn brown when ripe.

The Autograph Tree is valued for its ornamental qualities, including its unique foliage and attractive flowers. It is used in tropical and subtropical landscapes for urban planting, as a specimen plant, or for creating hedges. This species is adaptable to a range of light conditions, from full sun to part shade, and requires low amounts of water once established, making it suitable for xeriscaping. It prefers well-drained soils and is tolerant of salt spray, which makes it a good choice for coastal areas. However, gardeners should be aware that it can become invasive in some regions, such as Florida, where it has escaped cultivation and naturalized in some areas.CC BY-SA 4.0