Phytolacca esculenta

Family: Phytolaccaceae

What it is like

Phytolacca esculenta is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from July to August, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 1

Where it is found

Valleys, hillsides, forest understories, forest margins and roadsides at elevations of 500 - 3400 metres. It is also found in cultivated land houses, moist fertile lands and as a weed.

E. Asia - China.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 2

Leaves - they must be cooked and are used as a spinach. Only the young leaves should be used since they become toxic with age. Root - cooked.

Root: includes bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes etc.

Medicine

Rating: 2

The roots contain saponins. They are abortifacient, antiasthmatic, antibacterial, antifungal, antiinflammatory, antiphlogistic, antitussive, diuretic, expectorant, hypotensive and purgative. A decoction is used in the treatment of oedema, beri-beri, lumbago, rheumatism, abdominal distension and numbness of the throat. Use with caution, see the notes above on toxicity.

Abortifacient: Causes an abortion.

Antiasthmatic: Treats asthma.

Antibacterial: Kills bacteria.

Antifungal: An agent that inhibits or destroys fungi. Used in the treatment of various fungal problems such as candida.

Antiinflammatory: Reduces inflammation of joints, injuries etc.

Antiphlogistic: Reduces inflammation.

Antitussive: Prevents or relieves coughing.

Diuretic: Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.

Expectorant: Clears phlegm from the chest by inducing coughing.

Hypotensive: Reduces blood pressure, it is used in the treatment of high blood pressure

Purgative: A drastic laxative causing a cleansing or watery evacuation of the bowels, usually with a griping pain.

Other

Rating: 1

A red ink is obtained from the fruit.

Ink: Plants that can be used as an ink.

How it is grown

An easily grown plant, succeeding in most soils, though preferring a moisture retentive soil in full sun or partial shade. We have found the plants to be very tolerant of drought. Plants can be grown in quite coarse grass, which can be cut annually in the autumn. The young growth in spring can be damaged by late frosts. There is sme disagreement over the correct name for this species with some authorities saying that it is no more than a synonym for P. acinosa, whilst others give it specific status. There are reports that there is a white flowered plant, which could either be this species or a form of P. acinosa which is said to be non-toxic and to have an edible root. See P. acinosa for more details. Plants seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits.

Propagating it: Seed - sow autumn or spring in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. If you have sufficient seed, it might be worthwhile trying an outdoor sowing in a seed bed in early spring. Grow the plants on in the seedbed for their first year and plant them out the following spring. Division in March or October. Use a sharp spade or knife to divide the rootstock, making sure that each section has at least one growth bud. Very easy, larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is better to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a cold frame until they are well established before planting them out in late spring or early summer.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 5-9

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

The leaves are poisonous. They are said to be alright to eat when young, the toxins developing as they grow older.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

P. acinosa esculenta. P. kaempferi.