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 fasciculata is an evergreen shrub or a small tree usually growing from 5 - 10 metres tall, but can be as little as 1.5 metres tall[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use 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

S. America - Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, northern Brazil

Habitat

Mainly by rivers and near the edges of dense montane, submontane, lowland and alluvial rainforest; at elevations up to 650 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	7.00 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

The flowers are aromatic[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw. A sweet flavour[, ]. The yellowish, globose fruit is a capsule around 25 - 28mm in diameter. It contains a number of seeds surrounded by a brownish-yellow, sweet-tasting aril[, , ]. There is often only one seed inside a capsule[].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

None known

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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