This species is very similar to Casearia arborea, differing somewhat tenuously in some details of the leaves and seeds[].
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 ulmifolia is an evergreen shrub or a tree that can grow 4 - 26 metres tall, with a bole 10 - 54cm in diameter[]
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine.

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 - central and northern Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, the Guyanas; Caribbean - Trinidad

Habitat

Mainly on the edges and in rainforests, but also found in seasonal forests, wooded and grassy savannah, and areas of secondary vegetation; at elevations up to 400 metres[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	15.00 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Not known

Edible Uses

The fruit is an ovoid capsule around 6 - 7mm x 3 - 4mm, containing a number of seeds that are surrounded by a thin, yellow, 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[]. This 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

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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