Fauna
Plant · GBIF taxon 7304064

Sandpaper Tree

Curatella americana

Also known as Sambaiba, Wild Cashew Tree, Chaparro, Yaha

Sandpaper trees dominate Neotropical savannas with their gnarled, twisting trunks and thick, corky bark adapted to survive frequent wildfires. Their stiff, rough leaves are rich in abrasive silica crystals and have long been utilized across Latin America as a natural substitute for commercial sandpaper. Small, fragrant white blossoms emerge toward the end of the dry season, giving way to paired hairy capsules that split to reveal bright red, fleshy arils eagerly consumed by local birds.

SavannaFire-AdaptedBroadleaf
Sandpaper Tree reference1 / 7
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & prey
  • Autotrophic (photosynthetic)
Predators
  • Leafcutter ants
  • Caterpillars of various moths
  • Wood-boring beetles
ThreatsAgricultural conversion of savannas, overgrazing, and altered fire regimes
HabitatsNeotropical savannas, Cerrado, Llanos, and dry scrub woodlands
Life span50–100 years
Classification
  1. FamilyDilleniaceae
  2. SpeciesCuratella americana
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
  • Texture: Gently rub the upper surface of a mature leaf to feel the abrasive silica crystals.
  • Fire ecology: Examine the deeply fissured, corky bark that insulates the living trunk from savanna fires.
  • Birdwatching: Check fruiting trees during the early rainy season to watch tanagers and flycatchers eating the arils.
Related species
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