belhambra
Phytolacca dioica L.
Phytolacca dioica, known as belhambra, is a large evergreen tree in the Phytolaccaceae family, native to South America. It is dioecious, with male and female flowers on separate plants, and is pollinated by the butterfly Doxocopa laurentia. The tree has an umbrella-like canopy up to 15 m wide and a trunk with anomalous secondary thickening, making it soft and easily cut. It is used in bonsai and is resistant to grazing and pests due to its toxic sap. The leaves are sometimes used as a laxative or purgative. It is a cultural symbol in Uruguay, Rio Grande do Sul, and Argentina.
Description
Phytolacca dioica, commonly known as belhambra, is a massive tree in the Phytolaccaceae family, native to the Pampas of South America. It is dioecious, with male and female flowers on separate plants. The tree's canopy can reach up to 15 m in diameter and 18 m in height, supported by a tuberous caudex with a girth of up to 14 m. Its trunk is formed through anomalous secondary thickening, resulting in soft, spongy wood that can be cut with a knife. This characteristic makes it suitable for bonsai cultivation. The tree's toxic sap deters grazing and pests. Its leaves are occasionally used as a laxative or purgative. Phytolacca dioica is a symbol of Uruguay, Rio Grande do Sul, and Argentina, and is associated with gaucho culture for its distinctive canopy and utility as a shelter from sun and rain.
Other common names
Pokeweedumbratreebelhambra
Distribution
BR · ZA · NP · Belgium · France · The Netherlands · Great Britain · IT · SZ · GR · Corse (Corsica) · Greece · Italy · Madeira · Malta · Spain · IN · LY · MG · AU · Garden Route National Park · Kruger National Park · Table Mountain National Park · Tankwa-Karoo National Park · NA · Antioquia, Quindío, Risaralda, Tolima · Jardín Botánico de Bogotá · Hawaii · the Democratic Republic of the Congo · Bogotá, D.C.
Synonyms
Pircunia dioicaPhytolacca arboreaPhytolacca dioica var. ovatifoliaSarcoca dioica
