By: Andrew S
Scientific name and common name
The Sandpaper Tree’s botanical name is Ehretia anacua and is commonly known as the sandpaper tree. Its scientific name is Ficus coronata. It is classified as a tree. It is called the sandpaper tree because its dark green leaves are rough like sandpaper, hence the name sandpaper tree.
Basic description
This tree can grow up to 50ft tall and 2 feet in diameter
The wood is hard, heavy, and light brown and is used for axles, wheels, posts, and tool handles.
It is sub tropical
This tree is common in Texas in the dry areas in north to central Texas
There are many pretty clusters of flowers at the end of each branch
Its fruit are edible and the fruit are red and yellow berries with 2 seeds
Its leaves are dark green and rough like sandpaper
Conservation Status
The sandpaper tree currently is of no concern and it is not endangered or threatened.
Habitat
Its distribution is generally in Texas. Its native distribution is in Texas and south to Chiapas, which is in Mexico. Its native habitat is is thickets, open woodlands, fence rows, and Chaparral and Bush country.
Pictures
Niche
The blossoms of the flowers attract honey bees. The yellowish-orange fruit is good for jams. It is quite popular as an indoor bonsai tree. It is also an exclusive host to the larvae and adults of the Anacua Tortoise Beetle; many of them live inside of the tree. It is a great food source for the wildlife in that area.
Food Sources
The sandpaper tree is a plant, so like every other plant, it absorbs nutrients and water through its roots, from the soil. Capillary action transfers the nutrients and water up the tree. Fertilizers are sometimes used, but the Sandpaper tree is pretty hardy, so it usually doesn't need fertilizers.
Cultural and economic significance
This tree doesn't have much economic significance, but it is used widely in southeast Texas as a decorative tree, and is pretty popular. Many people like the look of this tree in Southeast Texas, hence it is used as a decorative tree.
Story
At Lake Casa Blanca, they have an annual tree-planting ceremony, in which they plant sandpaper trees around the lake. Sponsorship from businesses support the tree-planting, and each of the eight sponsors gets a plaque with their name on it next to one of the sandpaper trees that were planted. One of the sponsors, El Buffalo Pawn says “its important for local organizations to participate in helping the environment.”
Sources
http://texastreeid.tamu.edu/content/TreeDetails/?id=35
https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=EHAN
http://www.kgns.tv/content/news/Local-environmental-group-plants-a-tree-at-Lake-Casa-Blanca-456705193.html