AgroForestryTree Database
Phytolacca dioica
 Species identityEcology and distributionPropagation and managementFunctional usesPests and diseasesAdditional InfoBibliographyImages |
Species identity
TaxonomySynonym(s)
Common names
(English) : phytolacca
(Spanish) : bella sombra, belombra
(Trade name) : ombú, packalacca, umbú
Botanic description
Phytolacca dioica is a spreading deciduous tree, 6-10 m in height, with a domed crown. Trunk erect, stout, uniquely swollen at the base, which may grow to 4 m in diameter, spreading above the ground so that the tree appears to be standing on a mound. Bark grey to pale brown, rough; becomes gnarled with age; young branches fleshy green. The trunk and branches contain up to 80% of water. Leaves simple alternate, typical of the family, appearing as terminal whorls; each smooth, oval, somewhat recurved, to 15 cm in length, margin edge appearing white, midrib extending to form a distinct tip; young leaves fresh light-green, leaf stalks and midribs tinged with red. Flowers small, creamy white, with many stamens arising from 5 green sepals hanging in handsome terminal catkins up to 15 cm in length; in flower the tree is striking. Fruits juicy, yellow to black berries with 10 lobes hanging in clusters; irregularly produced after flowering, each 3-7 mm; small, shiny, grey-black seeds are found inside the soft fruits. The genus Phytolacca comprises plants from which juice is extracted for dyeing, a fact reflected in the generic name meaning ‘plant that produces juice’, from the Greek ‘phyton’ (plant) and ‘lacca’, a latinized form of the Amerindian word ‘laek’ (shellac), from the colouring property of the fruit. The generic epithet 'dioica' alludes to the fact male and female flowers occur on separate trees in this species.
Ecology and distribution
History of cultivationNative to South America, P. dioica was imported into southern Europe after the mid 18th century, where it became naturalized in regions with a Mediterranean climate.
Natural Habitat
P. dioica is a tree for mild climates, undemanding in soil fertility and resistant to sea winds. The tree is reputed to grow rapidly to its preferred height but is fairly aggressive in gardens, with root suckers appearing readily above the soil. It is resistant to locusts and ants and will withstand hurricanes and prolonged heat and drought.
Geographic distribution
Native : Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Surinam, United States of America, Uruguay, Venezuela
Exotic : Australia, India, Kenya, South Africa, United Kingdom
Biophysical limitsSoil type: P. dioica will grow on a variety of soil types and is undemanding in soil fertility.
Reproductive Biology
Male and female flowers occur on separate trees.
Propagation and management
Propagation methodsP. dioica can be propagated by direct seeding.Tree Management
The tree can be pruned to form a perfectly domed crown suitable for shade.
Germplasm Management
The species may show orthodox seed storage behaviour. There are approximately 150 000 seeds/kg.
Functional uses
ProductsFodder: Leaves are used as fodder in times of drought. However, fruits should be considered potentially toxic to livestock. Poison: The seeds, leaf and root contain saponins. Medicine: The fruit has been used as a human emetic and purgative; an infusion of the leaves also acts as a purgative. Other products: The fruit contains a soapy juice composed of salts of lime and potash.Services
Shade or shelter: P. dioica provides excellent shade in regions where other trees will not grow. Ornamental: Planted as an unusual ornamental around Nairobi and elsewhere in the highlands of Kenya.
Bibliography
Anon. 1986. The useful plants of India. Publications & Information Directorate, CSIR, New Delhi, India.Goldstein M. et. al. 1984. The Macdonald guide to trees. Macdonald & Co. Ltd.
Hong TD, Linington S, Ellis RH. 1996. Seed storage behaviour: a compendium. Handbooks for Genebanks: No. 4. IPGRI.
Lanzara P and Pizetti M. 1978. Simon & Schuster’s guide to trees. Simon & Schuster, Inc., New York.
Noad T, Birnie A. 1989. Trees of Kenya. General Printers, Nairobi.
Singh RV. 1982. Fodder trees of India. Oxford & IBH Co. New Delhi, India.
Storie GJ, McKenzie RA, Fraser IR. 1992. Suspected packalacca (Phytolacca dioica) poisoning of cattle and chickens. Australian Veterinary Journal. 69(1):21.