Phytolacca acinosa

Phytolacca acinosa, the Indian pokeweed, is a species of flowering plant in the family Phytolaccaceae. It is native to temperate eastern Asia; the Himalayas, most of China, Vietnam to Japan, and has been widely introduced to Europe. The species was originally described by William Roxburgh in 1814.

Description

A herb. It is soft and juicy. It grows 1.5 m tall. The roots are thick and fleshy. The stems have grooves along them. They can be green or red-purple. The leaves have stalks. These are 1.5-3 cm long. The leaves are 12-26 cm long by 5-10 cm wide. They are oval and narrowed towards the leaf stalk. The flowers have stalks. The flowers are greenish. The fruit is a berry which is 7 mm across and purplish black when mature.

Edible Uses

Young leaves must be cooked before eating and are used as spinach. Only use young leaves, as they become toxic with age. Young shoots make an excellent-flavoured asparagus substitute. The root must be cooked and leeched first; only the white root of the white-flowered form should be eaten.

Traditional Uses

The tender leaves and shoots are cooked as a green vegetable. They are cooked twice changing the water in between. They are used in curries. They are also used in stir fries. CAUTION: The root is toxic. The fruit are poisonous. The root is sliced then boiled and soaked in changes of water and steamed before eating. The fruit are occasionally used as a flavouring.

Medicinal Uses

The root is antiasthmatic, antibacterial, antidote, antifungal, antitussive, diuretic, expectorant, laxative and vermifuge. The plant has an interesting chemistry and was being investigated as a potential anti-AIDS drug (as of 1995). It contains potent anti-inflammatory agents, antiviral proteins and substances that affect cell division — compounds toxic to many disease-causing organisms, including the water snails that cause schistosomiasis. Internally, the root treats urinary disorders, nephritis, oedema and abdominal distension. Externally, it is applied to boils, carbuncles and sores. Roots are harvested in autumn and dried for later use. All parts of the plant are toxic; this remedy should be used with caution and preferably under the supervision of a qualified practitioner.

Known Hazards

All parts of the plant are toxic to human and mammals, with reported poisoning cases. This is due to the presence of saponins and alkaloids (phytolaccatoxin and phytolaccagenin).

Distribution

It is a temperate plant. In Nepal it grows between 2200-3200 m altitude. It grows in the shade of forest trees. It grows in wetlands. In China it grows in valleys in forest understories in moist fertile lands from 500-3400 m altitude. It grows in Yunnan. It occurs in Sichuan.

Where It Grows

Africa, Asia, Bhutan, China, East Africa, Europe, France, Germany, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Japan, Korea, Laos, Mediterranean, Myanmar, Nepal, North America, Northeastern India, NW India, Pakistan, SE Asia, Sikkim, Slovenia, Tibet, Vietnam,

Cultivation

An easily grown plant, succeeding in most soils, though preferring a moisture retentive fertile soil in full sun or partial shade. Plants can be grown in quite coarse grass, which can be cut annually in the autumn. This species is not hardy in the colder areas of the country, it tolerates temperatures down to between -5 and -10°c. The young growth in spring can be damaged by late frosts. Often self sows when in a suitable position. Cultivated for its edible leaves in India. It is said that there are two forms of this plant, one with red flowers that has a poisonous root, whilst another with white flowers that has a white edible root. This white form is said to be cultivated for its edible root in parts of China (I wonder if this is a mis-identification for another species? It could also be P. esculenta, which according to one report is a synonym of P. acinosa esculenta and is said to have an edible root). Plants seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits.

Propagation

Sow seed in autumn or spring in a cold frame. Prick seedlings into individual pots when large enough to handle and grow on in a greenhouse for their first winter, then plant out in late spring or early summer after the last expected frosts. With sufficient seed, an outdoor sowing in a seedbed in early spring is worthwhile; grow plants on for their first year and transplant the following spring. Divide in March or October using a sharp spade or knife, ensuring each section has at least one growth bud. Larger divisions can go straight into permanent positions; smaller ones are better potted up and grown on in light shade in a cold frame until well established before planting out in late spring or early summer.

Other Uses

A red ink is obtained from the fruit.

Other Information

It is a commercially cultivated vegetable. It is sold in local markets.

Notes

There are 25 Phytolacca species. It is used in medicine.

Nutrition

Synonyms

Also Known As

Azijska barvilnica, Gekha, Indian pokeberry, Jaiong, Jalga, Jarag, Jarak, Jaringe sag, Jaringo, Jariongo sag, Jarka, Jarko, Jharka, Jirrag, Kafal, Kanbo, Lubar sag, Matazor, Mye-mye-gang-pu-mon, Narail, Ni zhuo mo, Olita, Poke root, Rinsag, Sarangum, Sarangun, Shang lu, Tashi gangkha, Tuoqiong

References (53)

• Ambasta, S.P. (Ed.), 2000, The Useful Plants of India. CSIR India. p 453
• Arora, R. K., 2014, Diversity in Underutilized Plant Species - An Asia-Pacific Perspective. Bioversity International. p 44
• Aryal, K. P. et al, 2009, Uncultivated Plants and Livehood Support - A case study from the Chepang people of Nepal. Ethnobotany Research and Applications. 7:409-422
• Aryal, K. P., et al, 2018, Diversity and use of wild and non-cultivated edible plants in the Western Himalaya. Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine (2018) 14:10
• Burkill, I.H., 1966, A Dictionary of the Economic Products of the Malay Peninsula. Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Vol 2 (I-Z) p 1752

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