This species is very similar to Casearia ulmifolia, differing somewhat tenuously in some details of the leaves and seeds[].
Casearia grandiflora is very similar to Casearia arborea, differing mainly in some characteristics of the inflorescence, flower and bracteole [].
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 grandiflora is an evergreen shrub or smal tree growing up to 7 metres tall with a short bole 5 - 20cm in diameter[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine. It is a natural pioneer plant on disturbed ground and can be grown as a pioneer species for restoring native habitats

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, Colombia, Venezuela, the Guyanas; C. America - Panama

Habitat

A typical species of open places and disturbed areas, being found in savannahs and montane vegetation along roadsides, as well as in dense forests and seasonal forests; at elevations from 50 - 1,800 metres[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	5.00 m
Pollinators	Bees, Insects
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 leaves and the bark are used as an antidote to snake bites[, ].
The leaves contain diterpenes and clerodanicosides, and can be used to treat wounds and snake bites

Agroforestry Uses:

A typical species of the Cerrado, it is well adapted to disturbed environments, making it useful for use in restoration projects.
The flowers are very attractive to bees[].

Other Uses

An essential oil is obtained from the leaves. A yield of 0.094% was obtained by steam distillation of the fresh leaves. The major components found in the oil were beta-caryophyllene(24.6%), gamma-muurolene (22.89%), beta-elemene (14.2%) and bicyclogermacrene (14.7%)[]

The straight trunk of this tree, unbranched for the most part in the lower two-thirds, yields wood esteemed for construction purposes[]. This sounds like a bigger tree than Casearia grandiflora, could it be a misaken entry?[].

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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