SafePlants

Casasia: A Tropical Genus

Casasia is a genus of flowering plants belonging to the Rubiaceae family, commonly known as the coffee, bedstraw, or madder family.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Genus: Casasia A. Rich.
• Family: Rubiaceae
• Type Species: Casasia calophylla A. Rich.
• Synonyms: Mentions of alternative scientific names (e.g., Casasia nigrescens) suggest taxonomic variations and historical classifications within the genus.

Distribution and Habitat

• Casasia species are found on Caribbean islands and, in one instance, in Florida.
• Specifically, Casasia longipes is endemic to Jamaica.
• Casasia clusiifolia is mentioned as occurring in the Bahamas and growing near the ocean, up to the first dune.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Plants in this genus are typically shrubs or small trees.
• They feature opposite, leathery leaves.
• Flowers are white or yellow with a salverform corolla (a long tube abruptly expanding into a flat-faced limb).
• Casasia clusiifolia is described as an evergreen shrub or small tree.

Species within the Genus

• The Plant List includes 24 scientific plant names of species rank, with 10 being accepted species names.
• Specific species mentioned include:
  • Casasia clusiifolia (Jacq.) Urb.
  • Casasia longipes Urb.
  • Casasia calophylla A. Rich.
  • Casasia nigrescens (Griseb.) C. Wright ex Urb.

Common Names

• Casasia clusiifolia is commonly known as Sevenyear Apple.

Traditional Uses

• The fruit of the "Seven Year Apple" plant is edible and gathered from the wild for local consumption.

Further Information

• Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS): Provides taxonomic information for Casasia A. Rich.
• The Plant List: Offers a comprehensive list of species within the Casasia genus.
• Discover Life: Features a page about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Casasia clusiifolia.
• IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Contains information about Casasia longipes.