This species is very closely related to Casearia guianensis (Aubl.) Urb., and is considered by some to be not distinct from it[].
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: Wild Coffee

General Information

Casearia hirsuta is usually a deciduous shrub that can vary in height from 2.4 - 5 metres, though occasionally it will be more tree-like and grow up to 7.5 metres tall with a slender bole[, ].
The plant is sometimes harvested for its wood, which is used locally[].

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

Northern S. America - Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela, north to Costa Rica and the Caribbean.

Habitat

Mainly found in forested regions, growing in thickets and woodland margins, also found in savannah, often invading pastures, on a variety of soils but mainly limestone; at elevations from 75 - 800 metres[, ].

Properties

Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Shrub
Height	5.00 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Not known

Edible Uses

The globose fruit is a capsule around 7 - 12mm in diameter containing a number of seeds that are surrounded by a thin, yellow 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 soft wood is used for making furniture[].

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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