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Central QLD Coast Landcare Network

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Ink weed

Phytolacca octandra, Fam. Phytolaccaceae


An erect much branched short-lived perennial herb with stout stems to 2m tall, often with a reddish tinge.

Weed Category: Other invasive plants
Invasive plants that are not prohibited or restricted invasive plants, but are known to spread readily and cause negative impacts, within the region.
Weed: Yes
Form or habit: Herb
Family: Phytolaccaceae
Leaf: Simple Alternate
Alternate simple, elliptic to ovate, 35-150 x 10-80mm, tapered at both ends, green turning red, usually glabrous though lower surface sometimes has sparse hairs along veins, margins entire.
Flower conspicuous: Conspicuous
Flower colour:

White, Purple, Green

Flower description: Small greenish-white becoming purplish, arranged in dense axillary racemes, 70-140mm long and becoming longer as fruits develop.
Fruit conspicuous: Conspicuous
Fruit colour:

Black, Purple

Fruit: Fleshy
Fruit description: Berries flattened globose, 4-8 mm diameter, purplish-black when mature with reddish- purple juice and 8 black seeds 2mm in diameter.
Habitat:
Distribution
Food source for:
Toxicity: Toxic if ingested, potential allergen, irritant sap, toxic or irritant to domestic pets, toxic to native animals
Origin: South America
Notes: Spread by: birds. Invades/threats: rainforest margins, open forest, pastures and disturbed areas. Notes: known to occur on Clarke Range but it doesn’t appear to be widespread in this region. All parts of the plant are poisonous; sap can cause skin irritation. Environmental weed.
Information sources: Mackay Regional Pest Management Group (2018) Weeds of the Mackay Whitsunday Region Second Edition.

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