Casearia obliqua

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Casearia inaequilatera
• Samyda selloi
• Bigelovia brasiliensis
• Casearia montana

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, known scientifically as Casearia obliqua, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. It is classified under the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae within the order Malpighiales. Finally, it is a member of the family Salicaceae and falls under the genus Casearia.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad geographical distribution across several regions of Brazil. It can be found throughout the Northeast, Southeast, North, and South regions of the country. Beyond the borders of Brazil, its presence extends into the southern part of the South American continent. Specifically, it is documented within the Northeast region of Argentina. Consequently, this species spans a wide variety of ecological zones across both Brazil and its neighboring territories.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

Casearia obliqua exhibits a broad ecological plasticity, occupying a diverse array of specialized habitats across various Brazilian biomes. It is found in highly varied environments, including Campinarana, Cerrado (latu sensu), Restinga, and Seasonal Deciduous and Semi-deciduous Forests (Floresta Estacional Decidual and Semi-decidual). Furthermore, its distribution extends to Humid Ombrophilous Forests (Floresta Ombrófila/Pluvial) as well as Mixed Ombrophilous Forests (Floresta Ombrófila Mista). This adaptability allows the species to thrive across a significant altitudinal gradient, ranging from sea level (0 m AMSL) up to a maximum elevation of 1200 m AMSL.

Elevational range max:

1200 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

0 m AMSL

Habitat :

Campinarana, Cerrado (lato sensu), Floresta Estacional Decidual, Floresta Estacional Semidecidual, Floresta Ombrófila (= Floresta Pluvial), Floresta Ombrófila Mista, Restinga

Life history

The life history of Casearia obliqua is characterized by its status as a perennial organism, allowing it to persist in its ecosystem through multiple growing seasons. As a long-lived woody species, it undergoes a continuous developmental process that moves beyond the short-term cycles of annuals or biennials, establishing a stable presence within its natural habitat. Following the initial germination phase, the plant invests significant energy into structural growth and root establishment to support its long-term survival. This perennial nature enables the plant to undergo repeated reproductive cycles over many years, contributing to the long-term stability of its biological community through sustained flowering and seed production.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Casearia obliqua is characterized by a woody growth habit, manifesting primarily as a self-supporting tree or shrub. It is a terrestrial species that functions as an independent organism, lacking parasitic tendencies. The plant reaches a significant maximum height of approximately 30 meters, establishing a robust structural presence in its environment. Unlike climbing forms such as lianas or vines, this species is self-supporting and does not exhibit climbing or epiphytic behaviors, remaining firmly rooted in terrestrial habitats rather than aquatic or semiaquatic settings.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

30 m

Woodiness :

woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Casearia obliqua has 1 reported plant parts identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include leaf.

Leaf

1. Applied radiation and isotopes : including data, instrumentation and methods for use in agriculture, industry and medicine
2. Journal of natural products

Chemicals

Casearia obliqua has 14 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Br-, CA, CO, CR, CS.

Br-

1. Applied radiation and isotopes : including data, instrumentation and methods for use in agriculture, industry and medicine

CA

1. Applied radiation and isotopes : including data, instrumentation and methods for use in agriculture, industry and medicine

CO

1. Applied radiation and isotopes : including data, instrumentation and methods for use in agriculture, industry and medicine

CR

1. Applied radiation and isotopes : including data, instrumentation and methods for use in agriculture, industry and medicine

CS

1. Applied radiation and isotopes : including data, instrumentation and methods for use in agriculture, industry and medicine

Cl-

1. Applied radiation and isotopes : including data, instrumentation and methods for use in agriculture, industry and medicine

FE

1. Applied radiation and isotopes : including data, instrumentation and methods for use in agriculture, industry and medicine

LA

1. Applied radiation and isotopes : including data, instrumentation and methods for use in agriculture, industry and medicine

MG

1. Applied radiation and isotopes : including data, instrumentation and methods for use in agriculture, industry and medicine

MN

1. Applied radiation and isotopes : including data, instrumentation and methods for use in agriculture, industry and medicine

Activities

Casearia obliqua has 1 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Cytotoxic.

Cytotoxic

1. Journal of natural products

Preparations

Casearia obliqua has 2 reported preparations identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include bioactive hexane extract of the leaves, crude bioactive EtOH extract of the twigs.

Bioactive hexane extract of the leaves

1. Journal of natural products

Crude bioactive etoh extract of the twigs

1. Journal of natural products