Common Name:

General Information

Casearia esculenta is often only a shrub when growing in the open, though it can become more tree-like when growing in forests; it can grow up to 6 metres tall[, ].
The plant is a popular medicne in India, where the plant is harvested from the wild for local use and for sale in local markets. The plant is also occasionally used as a food.

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 (such as this one) is often eaten and is considered to be perfectly wholesome[, ].

Botanical References

Range

E. Asia - southern India, Sri Lanka.

Habitat

Coasts and hills at elevations up to 1,500 metres[]. Found in both moist and dry regions of Sri Lanka[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	4.00 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Not known

Edible Uses

Fruit[, , ]. The orange-yellow, broadly ovoid fruit is about 18mm long, containing several seeds surrounded by an edible fleshy, scarlet aril[].

Leaves and young shoots - cooked[, ]. Eaten in stews[].

Medicinal

The wood and leaves are used medicinally[, ].

The root is astringent and cathartic[]. It promotes the action of the liver[]. A decoction of the root is used in the treatment of diabetes[]. It has a great reputation as a remedy for hepatic enlargements, where it removes the feeling of weight and tension in the hepatic region and acts as a gentle aperient upon the bowels[].
A decoction or paste of the root is used externally in the treatment of piles[].

Both aqueous and alcohol extracts of the stems have been shown to be effective in reducing blood sugar levels, and to be of help in the treatment of diabetes[].
A crude aqueous extract of the roots has shown hypoglycaemic activity[].
The roots contain a resin and tannins[].
The bark contains tannins and a principle related to cathartic acid[].

Other Uses

The white to pale yellow wood is even-grained, moderately hard and heavy[, ].

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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