Casearia sylvestris — an easy houseplant, prefers partial sun light
SPECIMEN · FROM THE LIBRARY
Casearia sylvestris

Casearia Sylvestris

Updated · 188 observations
ON THIS PLANT

Casearia sylvestris, commonly known as the guaçatonga plant, is a species of flowering plant in the Salicaceae family. It is native to South America and found in Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay. The guaçatonga plant is a small tree or shrub that can grow up to 10 meters tall. It features smooth bark ranging from gray to brown, and its leaves are simple with serrated edges.

For centuries, indigenous people have used the guaçatonga plant for its medicinal properties. Its leaves are rich in flavonoids and tannins, which have anti-inflammatory effects, making the plant useful for treating various ailments such as wounds, ulcers, fever, and respiratory problems.

Beyond its medicinal uses, the guaçatonga plant plays an important role in the ecosystem by providing food for birds and other wildlife. Its wood is also used locally for construction purposes.

In summary, Casearia sylvestris, or the guaçatonga plant, serves practical purposes such as medicine-making while also contributing to biodiversity conservation by offering habitat support within the ecosystems where it naturally grows.

A note from PlantMom

Crackopen resists disease well and is generally not susceptible to illnesses. In terms of care, the plant is fairly low-maintenance. When grown outdoors it needs only minimal watering, and larger plants usually do not require pruning. Smaller plants, however, should be pruned after they have finished blooming. Crackopent is suitable for anyone with outdoor space, such as a garden or deck, and does not demand a lot of care experience.

— PlantMom
CARE GUIDE

How to keep Casearia Sylvestris.

Light

Crackopen is native to habitats like forest understories and rocky areas, where it grows in natural shade. It prefers partial sun but can adjust to full sun or full shade, illustrating its versatile and hardy character.

Temperature

Crackopen comes from tropical areas, where the climate is generally warm and humid. Consequently, it is well suited to high temperatures and moisture. It is sensitive to abrupt temperature shifts and favors a steady temperature, so avoiding indoor temperature swings is important. It typically cannot withstand cold and needs relatively high temperatures to grow. If the surrounding temperature falls too far, the plant may stop growing or even perish.

Fertilizer

Fertilization is essential for the care of Crackopen. Regular feeding during the active growing season helps maintain the energy needed for its showy leaves and supports overall growth. If fertilization is neglected, leaves can become unhealthy, the plant’s ornamental appeal can decline, and growth may be stunted or weak and prone to breakage.

CHARACTERISTICS

Botanical profile.

Plant Type
Shrub
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Casearia
Family
Salicaceae
Hardiness Zone
10-12
Mature Height
4.88 m to 14.94 m
Mature Spread
3.05 m to 6.1 m
Leaf Color
Dark Green, Forest Green
Leaf Type
Evergreen
Flower Color
White
Flower Size
0.25 cm to 0.51 cm
Bloom Time
Spring, Summer
Planting Time
Spring, Summer, Autumn
Harvest Time
Summer, Early fall, Mid fall
Native Area
Belize, Honduras, Mexico, Guatemala, Peru, Panama, Jamaica, Colombia, Cuba, Bolivia, Venezuela, Guyana, Brazil, Nicaragua, Ecuador, Costa Rica
ALSO KNOWN AS

Other names.

en Wild sage en Crackopen
PLATES
Casearia sylvestris leaf
PLATE 01 · leaf
Casearia sylvestris leaf
PLATE 02 · leaf
Casearia sylvestris flower
PLATE 03 · flower
Casearia sylvestris flower
PLATE 04 · flower
Casearia sylvestris fruit
PLATE 05 · fruit
Casearia sylvestris fruit
PLATE 06 · fruit
ALSO IN THE LIBRARY

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