Bogota pokeweed (Phytolacca bogotensis)

Southern pokeweed Guaba Jaboncillo Maíz de perro Cargamanto

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Plant palette

Phytolacca bogotensis: Southern Pokeweed and Guaba Guide

Native to the high-altitude Andean regions, Phytolacca bogotensis has long played a role in traditional South American medicine and local folklore. Commonly known as guaba or southern pokeweed, this robust perennial herb thrives at altitudes between 2,300 and 3,500 meters.

Unlike many tropical relatives, this species shows remarkable cold resilience. It can survive frosts down to -5 degrees Celsius, making it a rugged survivor of mountain ecosystems.

Taxonomy

∟ царство Plantae
∟ division Tracheophytes (Vascular Plants)
∟ subdivision Spermatophytes (Seed plants)
∟ Angiosperms
∟ mesangiosperms (Core angiosperms)
∟ eudicots
∟ core eudicots
∟ Superasterids
∟ order Caryophyllales
∟ family Phytolaccaceae (Pokeweed family)
∟ genus Phytolacca (Pokeweed)
∟ species Phytolacca bogotensis (Bogota pokeweed)

Morphology

This hairless perennial herb can reach a height of up to 1.5 meters. It features a thick, fleshy, napiform root that can grow up to 1 meter in length, anchoring it deeply in mountainous soils.

The upright stems are violet-colored, smooth, hollow, and branched at the top. The foliage and floral morphology are defined by several key traits:

Alternate, oblong leaves measuring 6 to 10 centimeters long and 2 to 7 centimeters wide, with reddish petioles and prominent veins on the underside.
Inflorescences arranged in terminal racemes bearing hermaphrodite flowers.
Flowers with 5 tepals, 7 to 13 stamens, and 7 to 9 pistils, colored whitish to pink.
Spherical berry fruits that turn from purple to shiny black when ripe.

Applications

Traditional medicine in the Andes utilizes leaf infusions as a diuretic and root infusions as a strong purgative. Macerated leaves in alcohol are sometimes applied externally to alleviate varicose veins.

In Colombia, official pharmaceutical regulators have approved local root preparations for external use as an anti-inflammatory agent. The plant is also occasionally grown in regional gardens as an ornamental species.

Interesting facts

The common name guaba is derived from the indigenous Muisca word foaba. The specific epithet bogotensis refers to the city of Bogotá, Colombia, where the species is frequently found.

It was first scientifically described in 1817 by the German botanist Carl Sigismund Kunth.
The plant is capable of surviving freezing mountain temperatures down to -5°C.

Geography of distribution

Colombia
Ecuador
Peru
Chile
Argentina
Bolivia

Sources

POWO (Plants of the World Online)
WFO (World Flora Online)
Kunth, Nova Genera et Species Plantarum (1817)

Technical Information

Taxon Synonyms: Phytolacca micrantha, Phytolacca parviflora

External Databases: GBIF, POWO, Tropicos

Bogota pokeweed (Phytolacca bogotensis)