Phytolacca L.

3 species naturalized Aust.; all states and territories except Tas.

*Phytolacca octandra L.

Herbaceous perennial 1–2 m high; stems woody towards the base. Leaves ovate-lanceolate, acute, tapering towards the base, entire, thin, 5–15 cm long. Flowers almost sessile in stout erect racemes. Petals white. Stamens 8. Carpels usually 8. Fruit a dark purple berry, depressed-globular, 8 mm diam., with 8 blunt ribs. Widespread. Weed of waste ground. Introd. from Trop. America. Fl. spring–summer. Ink Weed