Ehretia anacua aka Anacua

Ehretia anacua belongs to the borage family, Boraginaceae. Its common names include anaqua and knockaway. It grows wild from southern Texas into Mexico. Most of its range has a subtropical climate. It forms a tree in fertile river valleys. On dry, poor ridges, it may stay shrub-sized. Useful Tropical Plants reports a Least Concern assessment from 2013.

This evergreen or partly evergreen tree has a rounded crown. Several trunks often support stout branches that spread outward. Older trunks may become twisted and gnarled. Reported usual heights span 10–26 feet [3–8 metres]. Some sources give just 16 feet [5 metres]. Larger trees can reach about 50 feet [15 metres]. The bark starts scaly, then develops uneven grooves. Its colour ranges from grey-brown to reddish brown. Slender twigs bear stiff hairs and small, scaled buds. The light green leaves grow alternately along the stems. They are oval, with rough upper surfaces and bristled tips. Their edges may be smooth or have a few teeth.

Small white flowers form clusters at the branch tips. Each star-shaped flower has five petals and a scent. Virginia Tech places flowering in spring. Plants For A Future instead lists October to March. The sources also differ on when the fruit ripens. Virginia Tech gives early summer; Plants For A Future lists October to March. The small, fleshy fruits turn yellow or orange when ripe. People eat them raw. They taste sweet and juicy, though little flesh surrounds the seeds.

Grow anaqua in sun and soil that drains well. It prefers sandy loam with moderate fertility. It also accepts sandy, loamy, and clay soils. Mildly acid through mildly alkaline soils suit it. It tolerates dry soil and exposed sites. Some shade is possible in climates away from the sea. In coastal climates, more sun helps the wood mature. Plants For A Future lists USDA zones 7–10. Dormant plants have survived cold down to 9°F [-13°C]. New spring shoots remain prone to frost damage. Rich soil promotes soft growth that cold can damage.

Its rounded form suits a sunny woodland edge. Flowers and coloured fruit add interest through the season. Root suckers allow it to spread beyond the main trunks. Its hard, heavy wood has served for handles and wheel parts. The sources report no known hazards or medicinal uses. That does not establish safety for every use.