Smooth Casearia
Casearia nitida

Family: Salicaceae

What it is like

A tree which loses its leaves for short periods. It grows 5-7 m high. The leaves are narrowly oval and 4-6 cm long. The base is rounded and they taper to the tip. They are glossy and they are faint teeth around the edge. The flowers have white petals. The stamens are ruby red. The fruit is a yellow berry. The seeds have an orange-red aril, or fleshy layer around them.

There are 160-180 Casearia species. They are mostly in South America. 75 occur in tropical America. They have also been put in the plant family Flacourtiaceae.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in coastal and scrubby woodland. It grows well in seasonally moist and dry climates. It needs sandy, well-drained soils. It needs full sun or very light shade. It is salt tolerant. It suits hardines zones 10-12.

Countries/locations it is found in

Bahamas, Belize, Central America, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Hispaniola, Jamaica, Mexico, North America, South America, West Indies (country/location of origin)

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Fruit, leaves

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Casearia bahamensis Urb.; Samyda nitida L.; and others