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 acuminata is an evergreen shrub growing from 120 - 400cm tall[].
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 - northern Brazil, Ecuador, French Guiana, Surinam

Habitat

An understorey plant in dense submontane and montane rain forest, also in a degraded areas, growing in a range of soil types, usually in steep places; at elevations from 100 - 710 metres[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	2.50 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Usually found in somewhat shady positions, sometimes in full sun, growing in a range of soil types[].

Edible Uses

The fruit is a capsule containing a number of seeds that are surrounded by a 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 bark is used to treat ground itch[].

The plant is used in the treatment of venereal diseases, particularly siphylis, and also oedema[].

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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