There are still considerable differences in the concept of species delineation within this genus. We are following the treatment of Marquete R. & Mansano Vidal F., in O Gênero Casearia Jacq. No Brasil[] for all the Brazilian species in this database[].

Common Name: Cockspur

General Information

Casearia aculeata is a spiny, evergreen shrub or small tree, usually growing 2 - 3 metres tall, but with occasional specimens to 10 metres[]. The bole can be around 10cm in diameter[].
The tree is harvested from the wild for use as a medicine and source of timber. It is sometimes cultivated for medicinal use[].
Casearia aculeata has a large distribution range and has a generalist habitat. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2015)[].

Known Hazards

The fruit is a capsute containing several seeds. Although the capsule of some species (and possibly also the seeds contained therein) is somewhat toxic, the fleshy aril surrounding the seeds is a different matter and in some species (see information below on edibility to see if this is one of them) is often eaten and is considered to be perfectly wholesome[, ].

Botanical References

,

Range

S. America - Argentina, north to the Caribbean and through Central America to Mexico.

Habitat

Dry or moist thickets, sometimes in open forest[]. Dense rainforest, semideciduous seasonal forest, wooded and more open savannah; shrubby maritime vegetation; secondary vegetation; at elevations from 80 - 525 metres[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	3.00 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Succeeds in full sun and in semi-shade[]. Found in the wild in soils ranging from sandy, loamy, sandy loam, moist loam and dark loam[].

Edible Uses

The fruit is a capsule containing a number of seeds that are surrounded by a fleshy aril[]. We have no specific reports of edibility for this species, but the aril of several species in this genus are known to be edible and, unless it is very bitter, in an emergency the aril of this species is likely to supply a tiny bit of nutriment[].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

The yellow wood is strong and compact[]. When freshly cut, the sapwood has a strong green charcoal odour which fades upon drying[]. The wood is used for cabinet work[].

Propagation

The seed of species in this genus often has a short period of viability and so is best sown as soon as it is ripe. The seed is collected when the fruits start to open - leave them in the sun to open completely to release the seed, then rinse the seed in water to remove the arils[]. Sow the seed in a partially shaded position in a nursery seedbed, only just covering the seed, and keep moist. Germination rates vary, but can usually be expected to be low, with the seed sprouting within 20 - 30 days[]. When the seedlings are 3 - 5cm tall, pot them up into individual containers and they should be ready to plant out a few months later[].
Cuttings.

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