Phytolacca octandra | |
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Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Eudicots |
Order: | Caryophyllales |
Family: | Phytolaccaceae |
Genus: | Phytolacca |
Species: | P. octandra
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Binomial name | |
Phytolacca octandra | |
Synonyms[1] | |
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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.
Inkweed is a member of the family Phytolaccaceae, growing up to 1 metre (3+1⁄2 feet). The leaves measure 6-15 cm in length.[2]
Phytolacca octandra was first described by Carl Linnaeus in the second edition of Species Plantarum in 1762.[2] 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.[3] The species is sometimes considered a synonym for Phytolacca icosandra.[4]
The species is found globally in subtropical and tropical regions worldwide.[4]