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 javitensis is an evergreen tree with a very dense, spreading crown; it usually grows 6 - 11 metres tall, exceptionally to 17 metres. The straight, cylindrical bole can be unbranched for about one third of its height and 15 - 40cm in diameter[, , ].
The tree is sometimes harvested from the wild for local use of its wood.

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 - Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, the Guyanas.

Habitat

Rainforests and seasonal forests, occasionally in more open areas in savannah and scrubby areas, succeeding near the coast, growing in a range of soils and also in degraded areas; at elevations up to 1,250 metres[].

Properties

Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	10.00 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Succeeds in full sun and moderate shade, found wild in a range of soils[].

Edible Uses

The fruit is a capsule around 9 - 14mm in diameter and 8mm long, 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

None known

Other Uses

The wood is a uniform light brown or pinkish brown. Texture is uniformly fine; the grain straight, roey, or irregular. The wood is rather heavy and moderately hard. It is fairly easy to work, takes a smooth finish; liable to check in drying. The wood is used to a limited extent for house construction[].

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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