Curatella

Curatella is a genus of flowering plants in the family Dilleniaceae. They are native to tropical regions of the Americas. The genus consists of a single accepted species, Curatella americana.

Curatella americana, often referred to as the sandpaper tree or savanna tree, is a shrub or small tree typically found in savannas and dry forests. It is known for its distinctive rough, sandpaper-like leaves, which are used locally for polishing wood and other materials. The plant produces small, white, fragrant flowers and small, hard fruits. It plays an important role in its ecosystem, providing habitat and food for various animals. In some regions, parts of the plant are used in traditional medicine.