plant seen in Georgia

[mark smyth]

I know I know this plant but my mind has gone blank. A friend was in Georgia recently birdwatching and saw many birds eating the berries. What is it?

[Afloden]

Phytolacca, Pokeberry here in the US. Not sure if there is a native species in the Caucasus.

 Aaron

[Hans J]

Phytolacca

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phytolacca

[mark smyth]

Thanks very much

[Afloden]

My understanding is that acinosa has erect fruiting spikes and flowers. The American species is pendent.

 

[Hans J]

these plants are a weed here ..they grow in many gardens - we call it "Kermes Beere"

[Diane Clement]

My understanding is that acinosa has erect fruiting spikes and flowers. The American species is pendent.

Yes, this is correct, also the fruits of P acinosa are erect and divided like blackberries, therefore the original picture shows Phytolacca americana so was it Georgia USA, not Georgia, Caucasus.  Here is P acinosa for comparison

[Margaret]

Phytolacca americana is very poisonous and best not planted where children play.

[Brian Ellis]

I was talking to an old boy the other day whose wife had admired the plant (P.acinosa) in our front garden, so he'd had a berry to see what it tasted like - he said it tasted like blackberries!  It's planted away from reach of small children but he could get to it!

[Maggi Young]

I was talking to an old boy the other day whose wife had admired the plant (P.acinosa) in our front garden, so he'd had a berry to see what it tasted like - he said it tasted like blackberries!  It's planted away from reach of small children but he could get to it!

Good grief!  I could see that children would be tempted by the berries, they are  tasty looking and the fruits of P. acinosa are very attractively shaped too - but you'd hope an adult would have more sense. 


Diane - good point  you make there -are we talking Georgia USA or Georgia in the Caucasus?

[mark smyth]

Georgia, Caucasus

[Afloden]

I just assumed Georgia in the Caucasus, because why would someone come to Georgia, USA to birdwatch! We have some nice birds, but there are better places!