This species is very similar to Casearia ulmifolia, differing somewhat tenuously in some details of the leaves and seeds[].
Casearia grandiflora is also very similar to this species[].
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:

General Information

Casearia arborea is an evergreen tree with a spreading crown; it usually grows from 2.5 - 18 metres tall, though specimens up to 27 metres have been recorded in Peru. The straight, cylindrical bole is usually up to 40cm in diameter, free of branches for about one third of its height[].
The tree is sometimes harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine and source of wood.

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

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Range

S. America - Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, the Guyanas; C. America to Panama - Mexico; Caribbean - Puerto Rico to Cuba.

Habitat

Abundant and widely distributed along roadsides and in openings, thickets, and forests, in the lower mountain, moist limestone, and moist coastal regions of Puerto Rico[]. Wet forest or thickets, at or near sea level in Guatemala[].

Properties

Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	8.00 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

The plant can flower and produce fruit all year round[].

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

The plant is vulnerary and healing, and is a useful treatment against snake bites[].
The leaves are applied topically to the wounds and ulcers, and at the same time the juice that is obtained from them is drunk[].
The above report was listed under Casearia cambessedesii Eichler. This taxon is considered to be a synonym of Casearia ulmifolia by Plants of the World Online; whilst it is considered to be a synonym of Casearia sylvestris by CONABIO. 2009. Catálogo taxonómico de especies de México. 1. In Capital Nat. México. CONABIO, Mexico City; and to be a synonym of Casearia arborea by[].

Other Uses

The wood is usually light brown to pale yellow, sometimes reddish-brown. Texture is fine; the grain straight or roey. The wood is moderately heavy to heavy, hard, brittle, and appears to be durable. It saws slightly woolly; taking a smooth finish with a high golden lustre. The wood is used for rafters and beams in house construction, posts etc[, ].
The wood is used for fuel[].

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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