PlantaeDB Logo
Login Sign-up

Genus Cassine in Family Celastraceae

In botanical taxonomy, a genus (plural genera) is a rank used to group closely related species within a family. In the hierarchy, genus sits below family and above species.

Genera are defined by shared morphological, anatomical, and genetic characteristics (for example, features of flowers, fruits, seeds, or leaves) that indicate a close evolutionary relationship among the species they contain.

Each genus can include one or more species. Examples include Rosa (roses) and Solanum (nightshades, including tomato and eggplant).

Do you wish to read more about plant taxonomy? Click here!

Genus Description

Suggest a correction!

Cassine (L.) belongs to the family Celastraceae. It comprises approximately 55–65 species of evergreen trees and shrubs and is distributed across sub‑Saharan Africa, Madagascar, and the Mascarene Islands, with centers in the Cape and tropical eastern Africa (WFO, 2024; Musedem et al., 2013). The type is Cassine orientalis (L.) Kuntze (WFO, 2024).

The genus is diagnosed by opposite to rarely whorled, simple, entire leaves without stipules, and axillary cymes or thyrses of small, 4–5‑merous, bisexual flowers with an intrastaminal nectariferous disk. The superior ovary is typically 2‑locular with one apical-axile ovule per locule; fruits are drupes with 1–2 pyrenes and oily endosperm (Stevens, 2001 onward; Simonsson et al., 2019).

Diversity concentrates in southern Africa (Cape to KwaZulu‑Natal) and in tropical eastern Africa; several species are endemic to coastal or riverine forests, dunes, and bushland, from sea level to mid elevations (Musedem et al., 2013). Biogeographically, African coastal-montane elements dominate, with Malagasy and Mascarene species forming regional radiations (Simonsson et al., 2019).

Pollination and dispersal are poorly documented; flowers suggest insect visitation and fruits are bird-dispersed drupes, consistent with Celastraceae. Base chromosome number is unknown for the genus in recent sources (Simonsson et al., 2019).

Taxonomically, Cassine is separated from the Caribbean–Pacific Elaeodendron in modern treatments (WFO, 2024), although historical work often combined them (Burtt, 1934). Recent phylogenetic studies have clarified relationships within Celastraceae and supported recircumscriptions, but the limits of Cassine sensu stricto remain under investigation in Africa and Madagascar (Simonsson et al., 2019; Musedem et al., 2013). Sections or subgenera are inconsistently applied and lack robust phylogenetic support.

Several species yield high‑quality timber, notably “stinkwood” (C. capensis) in South Africa, and local timbers in East Africa; some are cultivated ornamentals for shade and hedges. No invasive or widespread weed status is reported.

Conservation is unevenly assessed; a few taxa are threatened by habitat loss, while data are scarce for many others (WFO, 2024). Strengthening monographic work and regional checklists would improve management and clarity of species limits.

Pick a Species to see its components: