Phytolacca octandra explained

Phytolacca octandra, also known as inkweed or red inkplant, is a herbaceous perennial plant in the pokeweed family Phytolaccaceae, originating from the Neotropical realm of the Americas.

Description

Inkweed is a member of the family Phytolaccaceae, growing up to 1abbr=offNaNabbr=off. The leaves measure 6-15 cm in length.[1]

Taxonomy

Phytolacca octandra was first described by Carl Linnaeus in the second edition of Species Plantarum in 1762.[1] The name Phytolacca is derived from the Greek word phyton ("plant") and the Latin word lacca ("red dye"), while Octandra is a Latin name referring to the eight stamens of the plant.[2] The species is sometimes considered a synonym for Phytolacca icosandra.[3]

Distribution

The species is found globally in subtropical and tropical regions worldwide.[3]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: 5 January 2015. Phytolacca octandra. Tropicos.org. Missouri Botanical Garden.
  2. Book: Quattrocchi, Umberto. 2000. 2065. CRC Press. CRC World Dictionary of Plant Names. 3 M-Q.
  3. Web site: GRIN Species Records of Phytolacca . Germplasm Resources Information Network . United States Department of Agriculture . 2011-02-03 . https://web.archive.org/web/20001027171110/http://www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/npgs/html/splist.pl?9362 . 2000-10-27 . dead .