Botanical Family · Caryophyllales

Phytolaccaceae

Pokeweed Family

4 speciesOrder Caryophyllales4+ well-known plants

The Phytolaccaceae family (Pokeweed Family) is a botanical family placed in the order Caryophyllales. In the SASYA catalogue it spans 4 species across 3 genera. Members range from undershrubs to trees. Well-represented genera include Phytolacca, Petiveria and Rivina. Several members are valued in traditional medicine. Familiar examples include Guinea Hen Weed, Pokeberry Tree and Inkweed.

Browse all 4 species ↓

Representative specimen · Phytolaccaceae

Key pattern

Large, simple alternate leaves on herbs and shrubs; small flowers with a petal-like calyx and no true petals ripen into a fleshy berry, often stacked in a long spike, that stains deep purple-red when crushed.

The intensely staining purple-red juice from ripe berries was historically used as a dye and ink, though the whole plant is toxic if eaten raw in any quantity.

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HabitWhat is the plant's growth habit?

Herb

Tree

Notable members

Guinea Hen WeedPetiveria alliaceaPokeberry TreePhytolacca dioicaInkweedPhytolacca octandraBaby Pepper, Bloodberry, Coralito, Inkberry, Pigeonberry, Rouge Plant, Small PokeweeedRivina humilis

All 4 species in PHYTOLACCACEAE

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