This species is closely related to Casearia rupestris[].
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: Espeto Branco

General Information

Casearia mariquitensis is an evergreen tree usually growing from 5 - 17 metres tall, though sometimes more shrub-like and around 3 metres tall[].
The plant has potential for used as an antidote to snake venom[].

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, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, the Guyanas; Caribbean - Trinidad and Tobago

Habitat

Open pasture[]. Mixed dense ombrophilous forest and deciduous seasonal forest, also occurring in the region between wooded savannah and seasonal forest, at elevations up to 1,100 metres[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	10.00 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Not known

Edible Uses

The globose fruit is a capsule around 17mm in diameter, enclosing a number of seeds surrounded by a yellowish, 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

An aqueous extract of the leaves has been shown to neutralize the hematological alterations induced by the crude venom of the south American Pit Viper (Bothrops neuwiedi pauloensis), though it did not neutralize the platelet decreasing ability of the venom[]. The aqueous extract of the leaves completely inhibited the pulmonary hemorrhage induced by the venom with protection of a beta fibrinogen chain[, ].

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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