Phytolacca
Template:Taxobox begin Template:Taxobox image Template:Taxobox begin placement Template:Taxobox regnum entry Template:Taxobox divisio entry Template:Taxobox classis entry Template:Taxobox ordo entry Template:Taxobox familia entry Template:Taxobox genus entry Template:Taxobox end placement Template:Taxobox section subdivision
Phytolacca acinosa (Southeast Asia)
Phytolacca americana (North America)
Phytolacca clavigera (China)
Phytolacca dioica (South America)
Phytolacca esculenta (East Asia)
Phytolacca heteropetala (Mexico)
Phytolacca icosandra (South America)
Phytolacca octandra (New Zealand)
The Pokeweeds (Phytolacca), also known as "poke", "pokeberry" and "pokeroot", are a genus of perennial plants native to North America, South America, east Asia and New Zealand. Pokeweeds are herbs, shrubs or small trees, growing from 1-20 m tall. They have single alternate leaves, pointed at the end, with crinkled edges. The stems are often colored pink or red.
The flowers are greenish-white, in long clusters at the ends of the stems. They develop into dark purple berries. Pokeweed contains phytolaccatoxin and phytolaccigenin, which are poisonous to mammals. However, the berries are eaten by birds, which are not affected by the toxin.
Cultural significance
Young pokeweed leaves can be boiled twice to remove the toxin, discarding the water after the first boiling. The result is known as poke salet or Poke salad and is occasionally available commercially. However, some authorities advise against eating pokeweed even after twice boiling, as traces of the toxin may still remain. For many decades, Poke salad was a staple of Southern U.S. cuisine, but its use declined in the mid and late 20th century as it became common knowledge in the U.S. South that Pokeweed reamined toxic even after being boiled. The lingering cultural significance of Poke salad can be seen in the recording of the song Polk Salad Annie by Elvis Presley and other artists.
Pokeweed is used as a homeopathic remedy to treat tonsilitis and swollen glands.
Pokeweed berries yield a red ink or dye, the dye was once used by Native Americans to decorate their horses.
