Ehretia anacua aka Anacua
Taxonomy ID: 1496
Ehretia anacua is a medium-sized tree found in eastern Mexico and southern Texas in the United States and is a member of the borage family, Boraginaceae. Anacua has alternate spellings such as anaqua and anachua and common names, such as knockaway, derived from the Mexican Spanish word anacahuite. It is also known as sandpaper tree. Anacua can reach heights of 20–45 ft (6.1–13.7 m), with a diameter of 0.3 m (0.98 ft), often producing suckers or multiple trunks. The bark is reddish-brown to gray with narrow furrows and peeling scales. The dark green leaves are 3–8 cm (1.2–3.1 in) and 2–4 cm (0.79–1.57 in) wide and elliptical or ovate. As a houseplant, anacua needs regular watering to thrive and should be kept in long-lasting, direct light, within 1 foot of a window, with a well-draining soil. It doesn't need fertilizer if repotted once it doubles in size.
Common names
Anacua, Knock Away, Sandpaper TreeMore information about Anacua
How difficult is it to take care of Anacua
Anacua presents a moderate level of care, which allows plant enthusiasts with some experience to expand their skills and knowledge.
What is the region of origin of Anacua
Anacua’s native range is Worldwide.
What are the water needs for Anacua
Anacua should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
What is the right soil for Anacua
Anacua loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
What is the sunlight requirement for Anacua
Anacua thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Sandpaper Tree.
What's the right humidity for Anacua
No additional humidity is required for the Anacua. Plants take in most of their water through their roots, not their leaves, therefore, watering the soil is the most effective way to supply humidity to your plants.
How to fertilize Anacua
Repotting the Anacua is necessary either when it has doubled in size or once every year, whichever happens first. With fresh potting soil replenished annually, the plant will receive all the necessary nutrients, rendering the use of fertilizer unnecessary. Keep in mind that the source of a plant's energy is the sun, not fertilizer.
Is Anacua toxic to humans/pets?
The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.
What seasonal care does Anacua need?
During the wintertime, it's common for Anacua to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more.
More info:
Wikipedia
