The Anacua tree is often called the Sandpaper tree for its coarse leaves. Cousin to the Anacahuita, both produce paper-white flowers and have names derived from the Spanish words, ancahuite, which comes from the Nahuatl words for paper, amatl, and tree, quatitl.
Texas Native
Evergreen
Bird Friendly
Drought Tolerant
Pollinator Plant
About This Plant
Did You Know?
The Anacua's leaves are so rough they were historically used as sandpaper by local craftspeople — giving it the nickname "Sandpaper Tree."
Growing Details
Sun Exposure
Full Sun
Water Needs
Low to Moderate
Soil
Clay, loam, caliche
Native Range
South TX & NE Mexico
Plant Family
Boraginaceae
Lifespan
Long-lived (50+ yrs)
Wildlife Value
- Berries attract Cedar Waxwings, mockingbirds, thrushes, and dozens of migrating songbirds each spring
- Dense canopy provides nesting habitat for Altamira Orioles, White-tipped Doves, and others
- Fragrant white flowers support native bees, Queen butterflies, and pollinators
- Fallen fruit eaten by coyotes, raccoons, and other ground mammals
Photos
Flowers
Fruit
Leaves
Bark
Full Tree
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