Class
Family
Classification
Subordinate Taxa
Nomenclature
Scientific Name:
Phytolacca L., Sp. Pl. 441 (1753)
Vernacular Name(s):
Inkberry; Pigeon berry; Pokeroot; Pokeweed
Description
Herbs or shrubs, occasionally trees, glabrous except for infl. Lvs thin and herbaceous. Fls ☿ or unisexual, small, in terminal or subterminal, often spiciform and erect racemes. Perianth 5-merous, lobed, or with tepals almost free, coloured, often becoming dark red, ultimately reflexed. Stamens (5)–7–22–(33), 1–2-seriate, ± irregularly arranged on disc; anthers dorsifixed. Carpels 5–10–(16), whorled, connate laterally; whole ovary depressed, globose or subglobose. Fr. a berry, or berry-like drupe, longitudinally 5–10-grooved. Seed laterally compressed with asymmetric base.
[From: Webb et al. (1988) Flora of New Zealand. Volume 4.]
Biostatus
Exotic
| Category | Number |
|---|---|
| Exotic: Fully Naturalised | 4 |
| Exotic: Casual | 1 |
| Total | 5 |
Bibliography
Linnaeus, C. 1753: Species Plantarum. Impensis Laurentii Salvii, Stockholm.
Mabberley, D.J. 2008: Mabberley's plant book, a portable dictionary of plants, their classification and uses. Edition 3. Cambridge University Press.
Wilcox, M.D. 2012: Auckland's Remarkable Urban Forest. Auckland Botanical Society Bulletin 29: [1]–[348].
