Casearia guianesis
Family:
Native to:
Habitat:
Salicaceae
Parts of Central America, northern and eastern South America, the Caribbean.
In young forests, along shores and margins of clearings. 10-250 meters above sea level. 5 meters tall.
Ecological value:
The genus is employed for honey production. Can grow in a range of soil types. Often found in secondary growth. Pollinated by insects.
Material uses:
Light brown to yellow wood is heavy and hard. Can be used as lumber when the tree is of sufficient size. Used in the construction of fences and houses. Also used as fuel wood.
Edible uses:
Fruit of several species in this genus are edible. No reports on this particular species.
Medicinal use:
Bark is astringent and used to treat urethral discharge.
Other details:
The genus Casearia belongs to the Salicaceae family - or the Willow family - which contains 56 genera and 1220 species. Most members of this family have alternately leaf arrangements, with simple leaves. Many have serrated or dentate leaf margins. Most have inconspicuous flowers.
Research:
Harry Gomez Moron/Christine Facella
Sources:
“Casearia Guianensis (Aubl.) Urb. | Plants of the World Online | Kew Science.” n.d. Plants of the World Online. Accessed November 28, 2023. https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:48004-2/general-information.
“Casearia Guianensis - Useful Tropical Plants.” n.d. Tropical.theferns.info. https://tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Casearia+guianensis.
Little E.L. Wadsworth F.H., ‘Common Trees of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands’, USDA, Forest Service; Washington, 1964
Image sources: Dick Culbert