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 pitumba is an evergreen shrub or a tree growing from 5 - 15 metres tall. The bole can be 5 - 18cm in diameter[, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food.

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 (such as this one) is often eaten and is considered to be perfectly wholesome[, ].

Botanical References

,

Range

S. America - northern and western Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela and the Guyanas

Habitat

Rainforests, especially along rivers, secondary forest, forested slopes on bauxite and savannah, growing in a range of soil types; at elevations up to 1,300 metres[, ].

Properties

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

Cultivation Details

Not known

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw. The white, fleshy aril surrounding the seeds is eaten[]. The orange fruit is a subglobose to ovoid capsule 23 - 32mm x 20 - 29mm, containing up to 20 seeds that are clotted together by a white, slimy, sweet-tasting, edible aril[].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

The heartwood is yellow or cream, it is not clearly distinguished from the sapwood[].

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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Captcha: if i have 3 bananas, and i eat them all, how many bananas did i just eat?