Casearia
Scientific name: Casearia dodecandra
POWO Status: Shrub or Tree
IUCN Red List threat level: Not Evaluated
GPS Location: 17° 42′ 55.29″ N, 64° 49′ 48.72″ W
Observations:
Phenological Markers – Casearia dodecandra
Common Name: Wild Cherry, Silion, Gullywood
Scientific Name: Casearia dodecandra Jacq.
Family: Salicaceae (formerly Flacourtiaceae)
Leaf Phenology
- Leaf Type: Simple, alternate, oval to oblong with serrated margins
- Evergreen/Semi-deciduous: Mostly evergreen in moist tropical climates, may be semi-deciduous in dry periods
- Leaf Flush: New leaf growth appears following seasonal rains or during active growth periods
- Senescence: Gradual leaf turnover year-round; stress-related drop may occur during drought
Flowering
- Inflorescence: Small, greenish to yellowish flowers, often inconspicuous, borne singly or in clusters
- Blooming Period: Typically late dry season into early rainy season (varies regionally)
- Pollinators: Likely small bees, flies, or other generalist insects
- Phenological Indicator: Small flowers at leaf axils or on twigs, often appearing before or alongside new leaf flush
Fruiting
- Fruit Type: Small, globose capsule that splits open when mature to reveal reddish or orange arils around seeds
- Fruit Development: Follows flowering by several weeks to months
- Dispersal: Primarily by birds attracted to aril-covered seeds
- Phenological Indicator: Dehiscent capsules visible on branches or fallen beneath the tree, often with exposed seeds
Suggested Photo Angles
- Whole tree habit (often multi-trunked or irregularly branched)
- Close-up of simple serrated leaves
- Small flowers (macro or zoom detail may be required)
- Ripening and opened fruit capsules with visible seeds
- Leaf flush and/or signs of seasonal yellowing
Notes for Monitoring
Monitoring is best timed to capture post-dry-season flowering and early rainy-season fruiting
Casearia dodecandra is native to tropical America and commonly found along forest edges, moist ravines, and coastal zones
Flowering and fruiting may be subtle but are important seasonal indicators; fruit dehiscence is visually distinctive