Clusia

plant genus

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Last updated

July 15, 2026

Quick Summary

The genus Clusia comprises a large group of tropical American trees and shrubs known for their aromatic qualities. These plants typically have leathery leaves and produce large flowers in white, yellow, or pink hues.1

Clusia species belong to the Clusiaceae family, which includes about 800 species of tropical trees and shrubs. Many Clusia species begin life as epiphytes, growing on other trees and eventually sending roots to the ground. While they can envelop their host trees, they are fully photosynthetic and do not rely on the host for nutrition. Some species, like C. rosea, are cultivated as ornamental shrubs. The genus Clusia is native to tropical America and contains a significant number of species.234

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Clusiaceae
The genus Clusia has some 300–400 species native to tropical America. Many members begin as epiphytes in the tree canopy and eventually send roots over the host tree to the ground. Scotch attorney, or cupey (C. rosea), which is native to the Caribbean area, grows to about…
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The genus Clusia has some 300–400 species native to tropical America. Many members begin as epiphytes in the tree canopy and eventually send roots over the host tree to the ground. Scotch attorney, or cupey (C. rosea), which is native to the Caribbean area, grows to about…
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strangler fig
In South America the genus Clusia (see Clusiaceae) is abundant and includes many species that rarely kill their host and seldom become independent trees. An Old World genus with strangling members is Schefflera.
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In South America the genus Clusia (see Clusiaceae) is abundant and includes many species that rarely kill their host and seldom become independent trees. An Old World genus with strangling members is Schefflera.
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