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 lasiophylla is a deciduous shrub or a tree with a dense, roundish crown; it can grow 4 - 8 metres tall, with some specimens in Brazil reaching 22 metres. The trunk can range from 3 - 45cm in diameter[, ].
The tree is sometimes harvested from the wild for local use as a food, medicine and source of materials. It can be used as a pioneer species for restoring native habitats.
Although Casearia lasiophylla is geographically widespread, its distribution is discontinuous. The plant is classified as 'Data Deficient' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(1998)[].

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

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Range

S. America - eastern Brazil, northern Argentina.

Habitat

An understorey tree of semideciduous and Araucaria forests, also found in more open areas and pastureland[, ].

Properties

Conservation Status	Data Deficient
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	6.00 m
Growth Rate	Medium
Pollinators	Bees, Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Plants can succeed in conditions ranging from fairly dense shade to full sun[].
Young plants have a moderate rate of growth[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw. A delicate flavour, it is actually the fleshy, orange aril surrounding the seed that is eaten[]. The globose fruit is a capsule around 6 - 10mm in diameter, containing a number of seeds that are surrounded by a fleshy aril[].

Medicinal

The plant (part not specified) has been used to treat wounds[].

The leaves contain an essential oil (yield 0.02%), the main component being identified as germacrene D (18.6%),
beta-caryophyllene (14.7%), delta-cadinene (6.2%), and alpha-cadinol (5.4%). The oil exhibited antiproliferative activity against a number of cell lines[]

Agroforestry Uses:

The tree can be used as a pioneer species for restoring native woodland and degraded areas. It is tolerant of soils contaminated with heavy metls such as zinc and cadmium and ca be used to help restore such areas[].
The flowers are a good source of food for bees[].

Other Uses

The wood is medium-textured, moderately heavy, soft and easy to work with, with poor mechanical properties and with poor durability. It is only used locally, for purposes such as beams, scantlings and tool handles[]. Where large enough, the wood is used in the construction of local houses[].
The wood is used for fuel and to make charcoal[].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a partially shaded position in a nursery seedbed. A low germination rate can usually be expected, with the seed sprouting within 14 - 28 days[]. When the seedlings are 5 - 6cm tall, pot them up into individual containers and they should be ready to plant out 5 - 7 months later[].

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