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: Pipewood

General Information

Casearia decandra is a deciduous shrub or a small tree with an open, elongate crown[, , ]. The tree grows 4 - 10 metres tall with a straight, cylindrical bole 20 - 40cm in diameter[, ].
The edible fruit is gathered from the wild and consumed locally, but is not widely appreciated[]. The tree is also sometimes cultivated for its edible fruit[].

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, Paraguay, Uruguay, north to the Caribbean and through C. America to Belize.

Habitat

Various types of forest, including coastal, dry land forest and Araucaria forest, from sea level to elevations of 1,120 metres[, ]. Also found in open, disturbed areas such as pastures and road margins[, ].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	6.00 m
Pollinators	Bees, Insects
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

Casearia decandra is found in areas where the mean annual precipitation ranges from about 900 - 2,200mm[].
Grows best in a sunny position[]. Prefers growing in well-drained soils, ranging from coastal sands to upland clays, and on soils derived from sedimentary (including limestone), igneous, and metamorphic rocks[]. Plants can tolerate periodic inundation of the soil[].
The plant has a strong taproot, with somewhat finer lateral roots and abundant near-surface fine roots[].
The plant responds well to coppicing[].
The plant usually starts flowering and producing fruit whilst still small, usually at around 10cm tall[].
The plant flowers and fruits irregularly, some plants can usually be found in flower all year round[]. The flowers are strongly aromatic[].
When not in flower, this species can easily be confused with Casearia sylvestris[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw[]. Almost tasteless[]. Very sweet according to another report[], and pleasantly flavoured[]. The fruit is a capsule containing a number of seeds wrapped in a sticky, fleshy pulp that has a sweet taste[]. The fruits are up to 1cm in diameter[].

Medicinal

The plant (part not specified) is cardiac, diuretic. It is used in the treatment of gastric ulcers, poor circulation, migraines, prostate problems, heart conditions and high levels of cholesterol[]


The following reports were for Casearia parvifolia Willd., which is treated as a synonym of Casearia decandra in the Flora do Brasil 2020

The bark is used as a wash in the treatment of ulcers[].

The leaves are used to ease joint pain in the treatment of rheumatism[].

Other Uses

The leaves and the flowers contain essential oils[].

The light brown wood is moderately heavy, hard, straight-grained and with a fine texture. It is not very durable, especially when exposed to the weather. It is used for making light utensils, fence posts, toys and boxes[, , ].
The wood is used for fuel and to make charcoal[, ].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as ripe[]. Sow in a sunny position in a nursery bed[]. Seed normally germinates in 3 - 4 weeks, less than 50% normally germinating[]. Around 90% of seed sown as soon as it was ripe had germinated within 7 days in one trial[].

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