Ehretia anacua

Ehretia anacua, commonly known as Anacua or Sandpaper Tree, is a small to medium-sized evergreen tree native to southern Texas and northeastern Mexico. Belonging to the Boraginaceae family, this tree can grow up to 30 feet tall with a spread of 20-30 feet. It features a dense, rounded crown with glossy green leaves that are rough on the upper surface and smooth on the lower surface. In the spring, the Anacua tree produces small white flowers, which are followed by edible fruit in the summer. The fruit, about an inch long, has a sweet taste similar to apricots or peaches and attracts birds such as mockingbirds, thrashers, and woodpeckers. The wood of Ehretia anacua is hardy but not very durable; traditionally, it was used for making furniture or fence posts due to its resistance to termites. This plant prefers well-drained soils but can tolerate some flooding. It thrives in full sun but can also grow in partial shade. For centuries, indigenous people have used Ehretia anacua for medicinal purposes. Its bark was believed to be a remedy for fever or diarrhea, while its leaves could be brewed into tea to treat coughs and colds. Overall, Ehretia anacua offers not only ornamental value due to its attractive appearance but also provides ecological benefits by serving as a food source for birds. Additionally, it has been recognized for its medicinal properties since ancient times.

Characteristics

Plant Type

Tree

Life Cycle

Perennial

Genus

Ehretia

Family

Boraginaceae

Hardiness Zone

8-11

Mature Height

4.57 m to 15.24 m

Mature Spread

9.14 m

Leaf Color

Green

Leaf Type

Deciduous

Flower Color

White

Flower Size

2.54 cm

Bloom Time

Early spring, Mid spring

Planting Time

Spring, Winter

Harvest Time

Summer

Native Area

Mexico

Tags (7)

Common Names (5)