Anaqua, Knockaway
Ehretia anacua

Family: Ehretiaceae

What it is like

Ehretia anacua is an evergreen Tree growing to 5 m (16ft 5in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8 and is frost tender. It is in leaf all year, in flower from October to March, and the seeds ripen from October to March. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

Height (m): 5

Where it is found

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

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

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 2

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

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

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

Wood: A list of the trees and shrubs that are noted for having useful wood.

How it is grown

Prefers a moderately fertile well-drained sandy loam in a sunny position. Tolerates exposed positions. 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. This species is not very hardy in Britain, but 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. Spreads by means of suckers.

Propagating it: 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, July/August in a frame. Division of suckers in the growing season.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;

Habit: Tree

Hardiness: 7-10

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

E. elliptica. DC.