The Autograph tree (Clusia rosea) is native to Florida and the Caribbean. Its curious name stems from the fact that, when its leaves are scarred, the marks remain visible for a long time. So if someone scratches their name into a leaf, it will stay there!
In Hawaii, it’s popular with commercial landscapers because it’s hardy and salt tolerant, so does well on the coast and in other difficult areas. But like all popular things it has a downside. It’s considered an invasive species here because it spreads prolifically and can crowd out native plants. It often starts out as an epiphyte and strangles its host plant. Anything else? Oh yes, the fruit and sap are poisonous, so getting rid of them requires considerable care.
Graham's Island 
Oh no! Maybe it’s another autograph from human error. It’s such a pretty flower and sounds ideal when we put our landscaping before our responsibility to care for the world. I reckon that if birds haven’t carried the seeds and dropped them, where they adapt and take off, then they’re not meant to be. Brian mentions one species in Australia but my quick research says we have over 2700 invasive species and that grows by 20 each year, due largely to carelessness or ignorance. Dear me! It’s made me more aware of my travel habits.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The powers that be are more aware of the need to be careful with new species, but there are so many ways new species can be introduced that it’s hard to keep up.
LikeLike
Another biological disaster. Was it just for a garden plant or did someone have it in mind for environmental restoration. Some clown here had the idea in the 70’s that Bitou Bush was best for dune stabilisation after the sand miners wrecked them. Now native species are used and it takes considerable effort to remove the Bitou Bush
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think it’s a garden plant, and still popular for that purpose, especially for its hardiness on the coast. I hadn’t realized what a problem it is, but I guess it’s very hard to eradicate.
LikeLiked by 1 person
But it’s a good looker!
LikeLiked by 1 person
But Jo, you know sometimes those good lookers can be very bad news!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Poisonous and strangling graffiti tree! Yikes. I wouldn’t get that for my backyard, but luckily I don’t have one 😅
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hadn’t realized it was such a problem until I started reading up about it after taking these photos.
LikeLiked by 1 person