Indian Poke

Phytolacca acinosa

Physical Characteristics

Phytolacca acinosa is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.5 m (5ft) by 1 m (3ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8 and is 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.

Distribution

E. Asia - China to India.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Root Shoots Edible Uses: Leaves - they must be cooked, and are then used as a spinach[1, 2, 46, 51, 105, 183]. Only the young leaves should be used since the leaves become toxic with age. The young shoots are used as an asparagus substitute[2, 105, 183]. They have an excellent flavour[2]. Root - cooked[178]. Must be leeched first[179]. Only the white root of the white flowered form (if it exists![K]) should be eaten. See notes above.

Medicinal Uses

Antiasthmatic Antibacterial Antidote Antifungal Antitussive Antiviral Diuretic Expectorant Laxative Urinary Vermifuge The root is antiasthmatic, antibacterial, antidote, antifungal, antitussive, diuretic, expectorant, laxative and vermifuge[176, 178, 218, 238]. The plant has an interesting chemistry and it is currently (1995) being investigated as a potential anti-AIDS drug[238]. It contains potent anti-inflammatory agents, antiviral proteins and substances that affect cell division[238]. These compounds are toxic to many disease-causing organisms, including the water snails that cause schistosomiasis[238]. The root is used internally in the treatment of urinary disorders, nephritis, oedema and abdominal distension[238]. Externally, it is used to treat boils, carbuncles and sores[238]. The roots are harvested in the autumn and dried for later use[238]. 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

The leaves are poisonous. They are said to be safe to eat when young, the toxins developing as they grow older. According to another report it is only a form with reddish purple flowers and a purple root that is poisonous[178].