Twenty-Stamen Pokeberry Anomalous (Phytolacca icosandra var. anomala)

Tropical Pokeweed Southern Pokeweed

Silhouette: T. Michael Keesey / License

Phytolacca icosandra var. anomala | Tropical Pokeweed

Deep within the humid, sun-drenched clearings of the Caribbean forests, a rare and intriguing botanical specimen thrives quietly among the native undergrowth. Phytolacca icosandra var. anomala captures the attention of taxonomists with its striking spikes of small flowers and clusters of dark, glossy berries.

This particular variety stands out within the pokeweed family due to subtle morphological deviations that distinguish it from the typical species. Researchers studying West Indian flora document Phytolacca icosandra var. anomala as a key component of the region's diverse ecological tapestry.

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 icosandra (Button pokeweed)
∟ variety Phytolacca icosandra var. anomala (Twenty-Stamen Pokeberry Anomalous)

Morphology

The physical structure of Phytolacca icosandra var. anomala is characterized by robust, semi-succulent stems that often display a reddish-purple hue as they mature. The large, alternate leaves are lanceolate or ovate-elliptic, featuring smooth margins and acute tips.

Its inflorescences are dense, erect racemes carrying numerous small, bisexual flowers with greenish-white or pinkish sepals. Unlike the typical form which frequently features exactly twenty stamens, this anomalous variety exhibits variations in its floral organs and stamen counts.

Stems: Thick, erect, and herbaceously branched, reaching heights of up to two meters in favorable conditions.
Leaves: Simple, smooth, and spirally arranged along the branches, providing a lush green backdrop.
Flowers: Small, cup-shaped blossoms clustered on elongated stalks, lacking true petals but displaying petal-like sepals.
Fruit: Fleshy, globose berries that ripen from green to a deep, glossy purplish-black and contain multiple small seeds.

Flowering season

Blooms intermittently throughout the year under tropical conditions.

Jan

Feb

Mar

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May

Jun

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Oct

Name

Dec

Applications

Historically, species in the pokeweed family have been used to extract dark red or purple pigments for dyeing textiles and coloring paper. The berries of Phytolacca icosandra var. anomala yield a rich, staining juice that has served as a natural ink in various regional crafts.

In the wild, this plant plays an important ecological role by providing a crucial food source for local bird populations. While the toxic berries are harmful to mammals, birds can consume them safely and assist in seed dispersal.

Natural Pigments: The dark berries contain betalain pigments historically utilized for temporary dyes and natural inks.
Ecological Support: Serves as a valuable food resource for avian species within its native tropical habitat.
Scientific Research: Studied by botanists to understand stamen variations and evolutionary divergence in Neotropical flora.

Interesting facts

The classification of Phytolacca icosandra var. anomala was formally described by the renowned botanist George R. Proctor in a 1982 publication of the Journal of the Arnold Arboretum. His research documented the unique plant life of the Caribbean islands, bringing attention to this specific taxonomic variant.

The subspecific epithet 'anomala' points to its anomalous or unusual physical characteristics compared to the typical species. It remains a subject of interest in historical records such as the Smithsonian's Catalogue of Seed Plants of the West Indies.

A Botanical Name of Greek Origin: The generic name is derived from the Greek word 'phyton' (plant) and the French/Italian word 'lacca' (lake/lac), referring to the red dye obtained from the fruit.
Stamen Count Paradox: Although 'icosandra' translates to twenty stamens, the number of stamens in Phytolacca icosandra var. anomala can vary significantly, making the name a taxonomic curiosity.
Smithsonian Documentation: This variety is officially cataloged in the Smithsonian Contributions to Botany, highlighting its significance in the documentation of West Indian plant diversity.