Phytolacca icosandra

Family: Phytolaccaceae

What it is like

A herb. It grows 1.5 m tall. The leaves are large and narrowly oval. They are alternate. The flowers are white or red. They occur in a large group in the axils of leaves near the ends of stalks. The fruit are black.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. In Guatemala it grows up to 2,900 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Amazon, Bahamas, Central America, Cuba (country/location of origin), Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Haiti, Jamaica (country/location of origin), Mexico, North America, Puerto Rico, South America, West Indies (country/location of origin)

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Leaves, stems

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Cangara, Congora, Cuan besh, Jabonera, Jabonero, Jorha, Moco de chompipe, Quelite, Quelite de amor, Tonga

Synonyms

Phytolacca altamiranii Ram.Goyena; Phytolacca icosandra var. sessiliflora (O. Hoffm.) H. Walter; Phytolacca malabarica Crantz; Phytolacca octandra var. angustifolia Moq.; Phytolacca purpurascens A. Braun & Bouché; Phytolacca sessiliflora Kunth & C. D. Bouché; Phytolacca venezuelensis O. C. Schmidt; Sarcoca icosandra (L.) Raf.;