Common Name:

General Information

Casearia glomerata is an evergreen shrub or a small tree with a short trunk and spreading crown, growing from 4 - 10 metres tall[, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine and source of materials. It can be used as a pioneer species when restoring native woodland.
Casearia glomerata has a very wide distribution, a large population, is not currently experiencing any major threats and no significant future threats have been identified. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2018)[].

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

E. Asia - Nepal, northeast India, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, southeast China, Vietnam

Habitat

Sparse forests in mountains; usually at low elevations[]. Often found in areas of secondary growth[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	6.00 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Not known

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 bitter[].

The leaves are used in baths to treat rheumatism[]..

The fruit is diuretic[].

The above reports on medicinal use in S. America need to be further investigated. The reports refer to an Asian species that is said to be naturalized in the Guyanas. There are two very similar reports for another Asian native, Casearia graveolens (syn Casearia ovata). It would appear likely that at least one of this reports is eroneous[].

Agroforestry Uses:

The plant can be grown as a pioneer species, providing shelter and protection for other tree species to become established[, ].

Other Uses

The yellowish-white wood is moderately hard[]. It is used for building, charcoal and occasionally for tea-boxes[].

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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