Rivina-like pokeweed (Phytolacca rivinoides)

Venezuelan pokeweed guaba airambo altusa cargamanta jaboncillo yerba de culebra

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Plant palette

Phytolacca rivinoides (Venezuelan Pokeweed): Profile and Botanical Features

Distributed widely across the neotropics from Central America to northern South America, Phytolacca rivinoides stands out as a highly toxic evergreen shrub. It is commonly referred to as Venezuelan pokeweed or yerba de culebra due to its local traditional associations. The plant is frequently observed in disturbed forest areas and forest edges, where it thrives in warm, humid climates.

The species is visually striking, presenting long, trailing racemes of bright flowers that contrast with its deep green foliage. Despite its attractive appearance, every part of the plant contains dangerous toxins. This high level of toxicity has led to its use in traditional medicines and organic soaps rather than cultivation.

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 rivinoides (Rivina-like pokeweed)

Morphology

This species grows as a large shrub or scandent vine, reaching heights between 1 and 3 meters. The leaves are elliptic, measuring 9 to 23 centimeters in length and 4 to 10 centimeters in width, with both the apex and base tapering to an acute point.

The reproductive structures are arranged in remarkably long racemes that range from 10 to 70 centimeters in length. Key morphological characteristics of the inflorescence include:

Flowers: Small, possessing white to pinkish sepals that measure 1.5 to 2.5 millimeters in length.
Stamens: Ranging from 10 to 17 in number, arranged in two distinct whorls.
Ovary: Features 10 to 17 fully connate carpels, which later develop into dark, fleshy berries.

Applications

Local populations in Central and South America utilize the berries of this plant as a natural soap substitute, hence the common name jaboncillo. The saponins within the fruit create a cleansing lather when crushed in water.

Additionally, various parts of the shrub have been employed in traditional folk medicine to address dermatological conditions. However, due to the presence of severe toxins, medicinal use is highly restricted and risky.

Interesting facts

The botanical name rivinoides means resembling the genus Rivina, which belongs to the same plant family. This highlights the close morphological similarities between these two groups of plants.

Despite being highly poisonous to humans and domestic animals, the berries serve as a food source for several species of tropical birds. These avian consumers assist in dispersing the seeds throughout the neotropical rainforests.

Geography of distribution

Venezuela
Costa Rica
Colombia
Ecuador
Peru
Brazil
Bolivia
Mexico

Sources

Plants of the World Online (POWO): Phytolacca rivinoides Kunth & C.D.Bouché
World Flora Online (WFO): Phytolacca rivinoides Kunth & C.D.Bouché
Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF): Phytolacca rivinoides Kunth & C.D.Bouché

Technical Information

Taxon Synonyms: Phytolacca icosandra var. fraseri

External Databases: GBIF, POWO, Tropicos

Rivina-like pokeweed (Phytolacca rivinoides)