Sandpaper Tree

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