American pokeweed
Phytolacca americana
Phytolacca americana, commonly known as American pokeweed, is a large herbaceous perennial native to North …
Many-stamened pokeweed (Phytolacca polyandra)
Chinese Pokeweed
Phytolacca polyandra (Chinese Pokeweed) - Guide & Information
Native to the moist valleys and forest margins of China, the robust herbaceous perennial Phytolacca polyandra stands out with its dense racemes of flowers and glossy foliage. It belongs to the pokeweed family, Phytolaccaceae, and is commonly known as the Chinese pokeweed.
This plant thrives in forest understories and slopes, contributing to the biodiversity of its native ecosystems while containing toxic compounds characteristic of its genus.
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 polyandra (Many-stamened pokeweed)
Morphology
Phytolacca polyandra grows as a robust perennial herb reaching heights between 1 and 1.5 meters. The stems are thick, erect, and range in color from green to purplish red.
Its leaves are arranged alternately on short petioles. The leaf blades are elliptic or lanceolate-elliptic, measuring 10 to 22 centimeters in length and 5 to 11 centimeters in width, with cuneate bases and acuminate tips.
The inflorescences are dense, erect racemes that are terminal or opposite to the leaves, reaching lengths of up to 20 centimeters.
Key reproductive structures include:
- Stamens: Typically 12 to 16 in number, which is a key distinguishing feature of this species.
- Carpels: 8 to 10, which are fused together.
- Berries: Fleshy, oblate fruits that turn glossy purple-black upon maturity and contain shiny black seeds.
Flowering season
Summer
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Name
Dec
Applications
Historically, various species of the genus Phytolacca have been utilized in traditional practices, although extreme caution is required due to their high toxicity. The plant is primarily studied for its chemical profile, including saponins and proteins that exhibit biological activity.
In some regions, it is occasionally grown in botanical collections or specialized gardens for educational purposes to showcase the diversity of East Asian flora.
Interesting facts
The specific epithet polyandra translates to "many-stamened," highlighting the plant's unusual floral structure compared to its close relatives. While most pokeweeds have 8 to 10 stamens, this species features up to 16 stamens per flower.
Despite its attractive berries, all parts of the plant, especially the roots and seeds, contain toxic phytolaccatoxins and are harmful if ingested.
Geography of distribution
- Gansu
- Guangxi
- Guizhou
- Sichuan
- Yunnan
Sources
See also
Ombu
Phytolacca dioica
Phytolacca dioica, known as the ombú, is a massive South American plant with a broad …
Indian pokeweed
Phytolacca acinosa
An upright perennial herb from the Himalayas and East Asia, notable for its rigid spikes …
Button pokeweed
Phytolacca icosandra
A tall neotropical perennial herb in the pokeweed family bearing dense cylindrical spikes of flowers …