Casearia ilicifolia

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Anavinga ilicifolia
• Samyda ilicifolia
• Valentinia ilicifolia

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. Following the subclass Magnoliidae, it is ordered under Malpighiales and resides in the family Salicaceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Casearia, specifically as the species Casearia ilicifolia.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is primarily found within the Caribbean region. Specifically, its natural habitat includes the island of Hispaniola. Within this area, the species is documented to grow in the Dominican Republic. It also maintains a presence across the territory of Haiti. Therefore, its geographical distribution is concentrated in these two specific Caribbean nations.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Morphology

The morphology of Casearia ilicifolia is characterized by a robust, woody growth habit, distinguishing it as a perennial plant with a permanent, lignified structure. Its architecture typically consists of sturdy stems and branches that exhibit a high degree of woodiness, providing the structural integrity necessary for its development. The leaves are generally arranged in an alternate pattern, often displaying an entire margin and a shape that can range from elliptical to lanceolate, sometimes mimicking the holly-like appearance suggested by its specific epithet. The bark is typically smooth to slightly fissured depending on the age of the specimen, and the reproductive structures consist of small, inconspicuous flowers that eventually give rise to fleshy fruits, which are characteristic of the Salicaceae family.

Woodiness :

woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Casearia ilicifolia has 1 reported plant parts identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include leaf.

Leaf

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Chemicals

Casearia ilicifolia has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Flavonoids, Sterols, Triterpenes.

Flavonoids

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Sterols

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Triterpenes

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology