Common Name: Anaqua

General Information

Ehretia anacua is a small, evergreen or semievergreen tree with stout, spreading branches that form a compact round-topped head. It normally grows from 3 - 8 metres tall, with some specimens reaching up to 15 metres, usually forming several trunks that can occasionally be up to 90cm in diameter[, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food and source of wood.
Ehretia anacua has a very wide distribution, large population, is not currently experiencing any major threats and no significant future threats have been identified. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

South-western N. America - S.E. Texas to Mexico

Habitat

Develops into a tree when growing in river valleys in fertile soils, it is also found as a shrub on dry barren ridges[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	5.00 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Mainly found in the subtropical zone, its range just extends into the tropics at elevations from sea level to over 1,000 metres. Dormant plants have survived temperatures down to -13°c when growing in a suitable position. The young growth in spring, even on mature plants, is frost-tender and so it is best to grow the plants in a position sheltered from the early morning sun[].
Prefers a moderately fertile well-drained sandy loam in a sunny position[]. Tolerates exposed positions and dry soils[]. Plants are shade tolerant in continental climates but they require more sun in maritime areas in order to ripen the wood[]. Rich fertile soils encourage soft sappy growth which is then more susceptible to winter damage[].
Spreads by means of suckers[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw[, , , ]. Sweet and rather juicy but it has a thin flesh[]. The fruit is about 8mm in diameter[].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

Wood - heavy, hard, not strong, close grained, difficult to split. Used for tool handles, yokes, axles, wheel spokes etc[, , , ].

Propagation

Seed - we have no information on this species but suggest sowing it as soon as it is ripe in a greenhouse. Sow stored seed in late winter or early spring. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.
Cuttings of half-ripe wood, mid summer in a frame.
Division of suckers in the growing season.