Phytolacca dodecandra
Phytolacca dodecandrafam. Scrophulariaceae
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Pl. FD65 — Phytolacca dodecandra
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IOverview
Overview
Phytolacca dodecandra, known as the redweed or pokeweed, is a member of the family Phytolaccaceae and thrives in various regions across Africa including Angola, Burundi, Cameroon, and Ethiopia. This plant is both edible and medicinal, with its leaves, stems, and fruits being utilized. It prefers light to full sun but can tolerate partial shade, thriving in moist to dry conditions and a variety of soil types from sandy to clay. Hardy in zones 10-12, Phytolacca dodecandra can grow up to 4 meters tall. Its distinctive feature is the bright red berries that contrast with its dark green foliage, making it an ornamental addition to gardens while also serving practical purposes through its edible and medicinal properties.
Quick answers
What is Phytolacca dodecandra?
Phytolacca dodecandra, known as the redweed or pokeweed, is a member of the family Phytolaccaceae and thrives in various regions across Africa including Angola, Burundi, Cameroon, and Ethiopia. This plant is both edible and medicinal, with its leaves, stems, and fruits being utilized.
IV·bMixology suggestions
2 drafts
Mixology suggestions
2 draftsEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Digestive Aid
digestiontincture
Historically used for digestive support.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Phytolacca dodecandra thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist to dry conditions. It grows well in light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soil types. The plant is hardy in zones 10-12 but can be grown as an ornamental in temperate regions with protection. Propagate through seeds or stem cuttings. Harvest the edible parts—fruit, leaves, and stems—for use in culinary applications.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade, Full shade
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
10-12
Mature size
4.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Phytolacca dodecandra for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple and adaptable approach to growing Skip, focusing on basic care.
- 1
What you'll need
A container or garden bed, seeds or young plants, good quality soil.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring when the last frost has passed and temperatures are mild.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil with a mix of light (sandy), medium, or heavy clay. Ensure containers have drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in the garden after danger of frost is past, or start indoors 4-6 weeks before planting out.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for pests and diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun to partial shade. Water when the soil feels dry, especially in hot weather. Mulch to retain moisture.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune stems as needed to maintain shape and remove dead foliage. Harvest leaves and fruits for culinary use after they mature.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy shade, neglecting regular pruning, not providing enough space for growth.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FruitLeavesStem
Edible uses: The fruit, leaves, and stem of Phytolacca dodecandra are edible. Typically, the fruit is eaten raw or cooked, while the leaves and stems can be prepared in various ways, including cooking or drying.
Other uses:DyeHedgerowPest controlSoap
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
27 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
27 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 27 native
Africa22 regions
native (22)AngolaBurundiCameroonCôte d'IvoireEritreaEthiopiaGabonGhanaGuineaKenyaLiberiaMadagascarMalawiMozambiqueNigeriaRwandaSierra LeoneSudanTanzaniaUgandaZambiaZimbabwe
Broader regions
native:Cape Provinces, Central African Repu, KwaZulu-Natal, Zaïre, Gulf of Guinea Is.
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Scrophulariaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Scrophulariaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
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