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Phytolacca sandwicensis

Endl. (1836)

This name is accepted

Kingdom: Viridiplantae Phylum: Magnoliophyta Class/Clade: Eudicot-CoreEudicot Order: Caryophyllales Family: Phytolaccaceae Genus: Phytolacca

pōpolo [popolo], pōpolo kū ma‘i, pōpolo kū mai [popolo ku mai]

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Description

Key Characters:

Growth Form: Erect perennial herbs 8–40 dm tall, sometimes somewhat woody toward base.

Stems: Stems usually somewhat sprawling, angular, often puberulent, especially on angle.

Roots:

Leaves: Leaves simple. Alternate. Blades elliptic–ovate, elliptic, or oblong–elliptic, 8–22 cm long, (1.5–)4–9.5 cm wide. Apex acuminate or acute. Base broadly cuneate to cuneate. Surfaces glabrous or puberulent, especially along veins of lower surface. Margins entire, sometimes undulate. Petioles 0.8–4.5 cm long. Stipules absent.

Flowers: Flowers in racemes usually 8–22 cm long, usually moderately to densely puberulent, peduncles 2–4 cm long, pedicels 3–5 mm long, each flower subtended by a single bract and 2 bracteoles; bract ca. 2–2.5 mm long, bracteoles ca. 1–1.5 mm long. Flowers bisexual (perfect). Calyx of 5 sepals, rose, pink, or occasionally white, sometimes somewhat unequal, oblong, ca. 3–4 mm long. Corolla (petals) absent. Stamens 7–9, in a single whorl; anthers dithecal, opening by longitudinal slits. Ovary superior, 5–7(8)-carpellate, the carpels connate throughout, depressed–globose; ovule 1 per carpel, placentation basal, campylotropous; styles as many as carpels.

Fruit: Berries dark purple; longitudinally 5–7(8)–ribbed; ca. 4–6 mm in diameter; depressed–globose. Seeds 5–16; glossy black; subreniform; somewhat wrinkled; ca. 3 mm long; embryo curved around perisperm; true endosperm absent.

Ploidy:

Habitat: Open areas or streambeds in mesic to wet forest.

Elevation Range: (120–)680–1,980 m.

Historical Distribution

Uses and Culture

USES

  • Dark purple dye (fruit)

  • Dark purple dye obtained from fruit (Krauss 1993:67).

Natural History

Statewide Status

Endemic

Island Status

Kaua'i Endemic
O'ahu Endemic
Molokai Endemic
Maui Endemic
Hawai'i Endemic

Dispersal Agents


Pollinators

Notes

  • Roots, leaves, berries, and seeds contain toxins that affect the digestive and nervous system as well as harm red blood cells

Bibliography

Name Published In: Ann. Wiener Mus. Naturgesch. 1: 179 (1836)

Other References

Wagner et al. 1990:1016 (K, O, Mo, M, H)

Poisonous Plants of Paradise (Scott & Thomas) p.150

Occurrences

SNo. Scientific Name Locality Habitat Basis of Record Recorded By Record Number Island Source Date
1 Phytolacca sandwicensis Waianae District: Mt. Kaala, trail from Scofield Barracks Metrosideros forest. Preserved_Specimen Grant, M.L. 7486 Oahu BISH 1934-10-04
2 Phytolacca sandwicensis Kawela Gulch thickets by stream Preserved_Specimen St.John, H. 19912 Molokai BISH 1938-12-30
3 Phytolacca sandwicensis Kohua Ridge, Mohihi Stream guage Metrosideros, Cheirodendron; sepals 3.5 mm; seeds 7, smooth, 3.5 mm high Preserved_Specimen Nagata, K.M. 1192 Kauai BISH 1973-09-02
4 Phytolacca sandwicensis Puu Huluhulu, Saddle area between Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea In shade of Acacis koa, Myoporum and Coprosma. Preserved_Specimen Davis, J. 632 Hawaii BISH 1981-10-14
5 Phytolacca sandwicensis E of Mapulehu Valley, sloping plateau open, wet forest Preserved_Specimen Fosberg, F.R. 13508 Molokai BISH 1936-12-29
6 Phytolacca sandwicensis Oopuloa stream near ditch trail Preserved_Specimen Degener, O. 8901 Maui BISH 1927-07-07
7 Phytolacca sandwicensis Hanalei, cave moist, sunny Preserved_Specimen Degener, O. 7 Kauai BISH 1922-09-06
8 Phytolacca sandwicensis Keauhou Ranch (T-KB), Kau district open log jam of remnant Metrosideros forest in pastureland. Preserved_Specimen ESP Field Crew 47 Hawaii BISH 1979-09-08
9 Phytolacca sandwicensis Waianae Mountains: Puu Kaua, Honouliuli Sprawling in shrubbery on top of mountain. Preserved_Specimen St.John, H. 12209 Oahu BISH 1932-11-06
10 Phytolacca sandwicensis Waianae Mts, Honouliuli, Palikea summit creat, E facing slope In Metrosideros lowland wet forest with Bidens, Eragrostis, Lobelia yuccoides, Vaccinium, Dubautia plantaginea, Pittosporum, Psychotria, Scaevola, Labordia kaalae. Preserved_Specimen Perlman, S. 6156 Oahu BISH 1987-07-12
11 Phytolacca sandwicensis S. Kohala District, Kahua 1 ahu. Tr 77(6); Kohala Mtns: E of Puu Iki & Puu Kamau Wet `ohi`a forest with other native trees and a treefern and native shrub understory. Preserved_Specimen Stemmermann, R.L. 4001 Hawaii BISH 1979-07-03
12 Phytolacca sandwicensis Mapulehu Valley, summit, above Wailau Valley clearing Preserved_Specimen Degener, O. 8896 Molokai BISH 1928-06-06
13 Phytolacca sandwicensis Kaua On moderate incline of bare dirt, diverse native canopy. Preserved_Specimen Takeuchi, W.N. 3527 Oahu BISH 1987-04-25
14 Phytolacca sandwicensis E Kawela Gulch Streambed and on trail. Preserved_Specimen Russell, C.A. 715 Molokai BISH 1987-10-22
15 Phytolacca sandwicensis Small valley southeast of Puu Hapapa In streambed. Preserved_Specimen Degener, O. 8891 Oahu BISH 1932-10-30
16 Phytolacca sandwicensis Waianae Mountains: Puu Kaua, Honouliuli Sprawling in shrubbery on top of mountain. Preserved_Specimen St.John, H. 12209 Oahu BISH 1932-11-06
17 Phytolacca sandwicensis Kokee; end of Camp 10 Road, on trail to Circle Bog, but drop down North into tributary of Waiakoali Metrosideros-Dicranopteris-Cheirodendron Wet Forest Psychotria, Coprosma, Saddleria, Broussaisia arguta, Elaphoglossum crassicaule, Vaccinium, Cyrtrandra, Pittosporum, Platydesma, Perperomia kokeana, Seaginella, Deparia, Dryopteris, Callistopteris, Conio Preserved_Specimen Tangalin, N. 2433 Kauai BISH 2010-12-08
18 Phytolacca sandwicensis S. Kohala District, Kahua 1 ahu. Tr 77(6); Kohala Mtns: E of Puu Iki & Puu Kamau Wet `ohi`a forest with other native trees and a treefern and native shrub understory. Preserved_Specimen Stemmermann, R.L. 4001 Hawaii BISH 1979-07-03
19 Phytolacca sandwicensis Laupahoehoe Forest Reserve c. 2 mi from Keanakolu, North Hilo District Wet forest of Metrosideros, Cheirodendron and ferns Preserved_Specimen Nagata, K.M. 3897 Hawaii BISH 1988-09-25
20 Phytolacca sandwicensis W of Pepeopae woods Preserved_Specimen Degener, O. 3304 Molokai BISH 1928-04-12
21 Phytolacca sandwicensis Laupahoehoe Section of Hilo Forest Reserve, North Hilo District climbing on fallen log in open canopy Acacia koa- Metrosideros forest. Preserved_Specimen Cuddihy, L.W. 753 Hawaii BISH 1981-03-03
22 Phytolacca sandwicensis Waiakoali headwaters, south branch Metrosideros-Cheirodendron montane wet slopes and rainage. W/ species of Melicope, Myrsine, Psychotria, Vaccinium, Elaeocarpus bifidus, Wikstroemia oahuensis, sections dominated by matting ferns Dicranopteris, Diplopterygium & Sticherus, or with sections of c Preserved_Specimen Wood, K.R. 14343 Kauai BISH 2010-10-08
23 Phytolacca sandwicensis Small valley southeast of Puu Hapapa In streambed. Preserved_Specimen Degener, O. 8891 Oahu BISH 1932-10-30
24 Phytolacca sandwicensis NW Haleakala, SE of Puu Luau wet ohia forest with native trees, shrub, treefern Preserved_Specimen Higashino, P.K. 9336 Maui BISH 1980-06-09
25 Phytolacca sandwicensis SE base of Mt. Kaala Moist clearing. Preserved_Specimen Degener, O. 10485 Oahu BISH 1936-02-02
26 Phytolacca sandwicensis Keauhou Ranch, Kau District, (TK-D) Growing in koa reforestation area, on edge of bluff, in loose rocky soil. Preserved_Specimen Davis, J. 197 Hawaii BISH 1980-01-14
27 Phytolacca sandwicensis Kalaheo moist, grass Preserved_Specimen Degener, O. Kauai BISH 1926-06-18
28 Phytolacca sandwicensis Along road below cabin at Portuguese Gate. Along crest of west branch of Honokane Cibotium-Metrosideros-Cheirodendron forest, with Gouldia, Clermontia, Pelea, Cyrtandra, and Straussia. Preserved_Specimen Gillett, G.W. 1899 Hawaii BISH 1966-06-25
29 Phytolacca sandwicensis Laupahoehoe, Hilo Forest Reserve, N. Hilo Dist moist Metrosideros forest Preserved_Specimen St.John, H. 18638 Hawaii BISH 1937-12-31
30 Phytolacca sandwicensis Waianae Range: Ridge crest between Pohakea Pass and Palikea peark Growing under canopy of short, windblown Metrosideros. Preserved_Specimen Obata, J.K. 87662 Oahu BISH 1987-04-05
31 Phytolacca sandwicensis Waikolu Valley, head, Hanalilolilo, pipe line trail down steep bank Preserved_Specimen St.John, H. 12363 Molokai BISH 1932-12-21
32 Phytolacca sandwicensis S. Kona, Honaunau Forest Reserve, near Kealakekua ranch Infrequent. Growing with Clermontia, Smilax, Rumex, and ferns in closed Acacia-Metrosideros forest, mixed native understory. Preserved_Specimen Davis, J. 277 Hawaii BISH 1980-03-28
33 Phytolacca sandwicensis Laumaia in koa-lehua forest Preserved_Specimen Neal, M.C. 818 Hawaii BISH 1935-08-17
34 Phytolacca sandwicensis West Maui, Waihee, Mt. Eke rich woods near stream Preserved_Specimen Degener, O. 3302 Maui BISH 1927-07-02
35 Phytolacca sandwicensis Waianae Mountains: Honouliuli, near summit of Palikea, on main divide Moist forest. Preserved_Specimen Fosberg, F.R. 10946 Oahu BISH 1935-06-30
36 Phytolacca sandwicensis East Maui, Waikamoi, below Puu o Kakae forest Preserved_Specimen Hobdy, R.W. 2727 Maui BISH 1987-02-15
37 Phytolacca sandwicensis S. Kona District: Honaunau Ahu. Tr 61(84); W slopes of Mauna Loa; SW of Gaspar's Dairy Mesic koa-`ohi`a forest with other native trees and a native fern and shrub understory; growing on pahoehoe Preserved_Specimen Warshauer, F.R. 1969 Hawaii BISH 1978-07-09
38 Phytolacca sandwicensis Keauhou Ranch, Kau district, (TK-D) A few plants growing in koa reforestation area, on edge of bluff, in loose rocky soil. Preserved_Specimen Davis, J. 197 Hawaii BISH 1980-01-14
39 Phytolacca sandwicensis Waianae Mts, Honouliuli, Palikea summit creat, E facing slope In Metrosideros lowland wet forest with Bidens, Eragrostis, Lobelia yuccoides, Vaccinium, Dubautia plantaginea, Pittosporum, Psychotria, Scaevola, Labordia kaalae. Preserved_Specimen Perlman, S. 6156 Oahu BISH 1987-07-12
40 Phytolacca sandwicensis East Maui, Hana District, Haleakala, Kaupo Gap, E side rocky talus slope below Pali Preserved_Specimen Olson, G.E. 21 Maui BISH 1936-10-20
41 Phytolacca sandwicensis East Maui, Haleakala National Park, Manawainui Planeze, mauka of Healani Camp. Aspect: SSE. Rare, in open understory.Mesic forest, Metrosideros, Acacia, Cheiwrodendron, Leptecophylla, Clermontia arborescens subsp. Waihiae, Coprosma, Melicope, Myrsine, Alyxia, Diplazium, Astelia, Peperomia, Dryopteris rubiginosa, D. wallichiana, Asplenlum normale, Vaccinium, Carex Preserved_Specimen Pezzillo, Z. 28 Maui BISH 2022-08-11
42 Phytolacca sandwicensis Keanakolu, Humuula, Hilo Forest Reserve, N. Hilo Dist moist gulch in Acacia koa forest Preserved_Specimen St.John, H. 18572 Hawaii BISH 1937-12-29
43 Phytolacca sandwicensis Kahua Ranch growing in a rain forest with Metrosideros, Cheirodendron, and Rubus Preserved_Specimen Harada, C. Hawaii BISH 1987-08-21
44 Phytolacca sandwicensis Makawao District. Waikamoi Preserve TNC, below Hosmer grove, Ohia trail, Honomanu drainages Metrosideros ssp. Wet forest. With Coprosma pubens, Ilex anomala, Dicranopteris linearis, Rubus hawaiiensis, Broussaisia arguta, Sadleria, Cibotium, Cheirodendron Preserved_Specimen Perlman, S. 23319 Maui BISH 2013-03-01
45 Phytolacca sandwicensis Olinda, pipe line trail open rain forest Preserved_Specimen Degener, O. 8902 Maui BISH 1927-06-22
46 Phytolacca sandwicensis East Maui, Hana District, Kipahulu Valley, central ridge wet koa ohia forest with native trees, shrub, treefern Preserved_Specimen Higashino, P.K. 9416 Maui BISH 1980-07-22
47 Phytolacca sandwicensis Olinda, Waikamoi, between Forest Reserve gate and road to lower flume open Preserved_Specimen Crosby, M.R. 1822 Maui BISH 1964-07-19
48 Phytolacca sandwicensis Waimea District, Waialae In and along side of stream. Metrosideros Polymorpha mesic to wet forest. W/ Metrosideros polymorpha var. glaberrima, Broussaisa arguta, Vaccinium dentatum, Melicope clusiifolia, M. spathulata, Smilax melastomifolia, Cheirodendron spp., Perrottetia sandwicensis, Kadua affi Preserved_Specimen Walsh, S. 723 Kauai BISH 2019-08-02
49 Phytolacca sandwicensis Kahua Ranch growing in a rain forest with Metrosideros, Cheirodendron, and Rubus Preserved_Specimen Harada, C. Hawaii BISH 1987-08-21
50 Phytolacca sandwicensis S. Hilo District: Piihonua Ahu. Tr 22(2); E slope of Mauna Kea along Wailuku River, SE of Puu Oo Trail Mesic exotic grassland with sacttered koa, `ohi`a and other native trees. Preserved_Specimen Warshauer, F.R. 1434 Hawaii BISH 1977-09-24
51 Phytolacca sandwicensis Mt. Kaala Open woods. Preserved_Specimen Degener, O. 3303 Oahu BISH 1928-02-11
52 Phytolacca sandwicensis Waianae Mountains: Honouliuli; top of Puu Kaua Wet forest. Preserved_Specimen Fosberg, F.R. 9004 Oahu BISH 1932-11-06
53 Phytolacca sandwicensis S. Hilo District: Piihonua Ahu. Tr 22(2); E slope of Mauna Kea along Wailuku River, SE of Puu Oo Trail Mesic exotic grassland with scattered koa, `ohi`a and other native trees. Preserved_Specimen Warshauer, F.R. 1418 Hawaii BISH 1977-09-20
54 Phytolacca sandwicensis East Maui, Haleakala National Park, Manawainui Planeze, mauka of Healani Camp. Aspect: SSE. Rare, in open understory, Mesic forest. Metrosideros, Acacia, Cheirodendron, Leptecophylla, Clermontia arborescens subsp. Waihiae, Coprosma, Melicope, Myrsine, Alyxia, Diplazium, Astelia, Peperomia, Dryopteris rubiginosa, D. wallichiana, Asplenium normale, Vaccinium, Carex Preserved_Specimen Pezzillo, Z. 27 Maui BISH 2022-08-11
55 Phytolacca sandwicensis Nahiku, Kuhiwa Trail, Koolau Forest Reserve moist woods Preserved_Specimen St.John, H. 17945 Maui BISH 1937-01-02
56 Phytolacca sandwicensis W Waimea drainage basin Preserved_Specimen Forbes, C.N. 1138 Kauai BISH 1917-07-03
57 Phytolacca sandwicensis Waikolu valley, head, E highland Preserved_Specimen Cranwell, L.M. 2590 Molokai BISH 1938-01-01
58 Phytolacca sandwicensis Oahu Preserved_Specimen Mann, H. 81 Oahu BISH 1864-01-01
59 Phytolacca sandwicensis Alakahi; Kawainui; Parker Ranch, ditch trail Preserved_Specimen Rock, J.F.C. 4383 Hawaii BISH 1909-07-13
60 Phytolacca sandwicensis Olinda, pipe line trail Preserved_Specimen Degener, O. 8900 Maui BISH 1927-06-20
61 Phytolacca sandwicensis Haleakala, W side of Keanae Valley Preserved_Specimen Mitchell, A.L. 91 Maui BISH 1945-11-22
62 Phytolacca sandwicensis Kapapala, Kau Preserved_Specimen Forbes, C.N. 407 Hawaii BISH 1911-08-04
63 Phytolacca sandwicensis Waikamui Trail Preserved_Specimen Forbes, C.N. 2615 Maui BISH 1920-06-25
64 Phytolacca sandwicensis Kaholuamanu Preserved_Specimen Rock, J.F.C. 2462 Kauai BISH 1909-03-03
65 Phytolacca sandwicensis Hawaii Preserved_Specimen Rémy, J. 212 Hawaii BISH 1851-01-01
66 Phytolacca sandwicensis Olinda Preserved_Specimen Meebold, A. 10156 Maui BISH 1935-10-01
67 Phytolacca sandwicensis Kula Pipe Line Preserved_Specimen Forbes, C.N. 1282 Maui BISH 1919-08-05
68 Phytolacca sandwicensis East Maui, above Kula pipeline Preserved_Specimen Munro, G.C. 793 Maui BISH 1928-02-20
69 Phytolacca sandwicensis Nahiku Preserved_Specimen Faurie, A. 543 Maui BISH 1909-09-01
70 Phytolacca sandwicensis Alakai Swamp, between 1st and 2nd bog Preserved_Specimen Herbst, D.R. 2189 Kauai BISH 1971-10-03
71 Phytolacca sandwicensis Hawaii Preserved_Specimen Rémy, J. 212 Hawaii BISH 1851-01-01
72 Phytolacca sandwicensis Kaalapuuwale, Kona Preserved_Specimen Forbes, C.N. 293 Hawaii BISH 1911-06-30
73 Phytolacca sandwicensis Mts. above Puu Kolekole Preserved_Specimen Forbes, C.N. 184 Molokai BISH 1912-07-01
74 Phytolacca sandwicensis Hawaii National Park, near Giant Koa Preserved_Specimen Christ, J.H. 456 Hawaii BISH 1940-04-04
75 Phytolacca sandwicensis Puu Kaua Preserved_Specimen Suehiro, A. 83 Oahu BISH 1932-11-06
76 Phytolacca sandwicensis Kaholuamanoa, above Waimea Preserved_Specimen Heller, A.A. 2772 Kauai BISH 1895-09-02
77 Phytolacca sandwicensis Waianae Range: Kupehau Gulch Preserved_Specimen Cowan, R.S. 142 Oahu BISH 1946-10-13
78 Phytolacca sandwicensis Kohala Mts., Waimea Preserved_Specimen Forbes, C.N. 491 Hawaii BISH 1911-09-01
79 Phytolacca sandwicensis upper ditch trail Preserved_Specimen Maui BISH 1909-01-16
80 Phytolacca sandwicensis Kauai Preserved_Specimen Rock, J.F.C. 2099 Kauai BISH 1909-03-03
81 Phytolacca sandwicensis Puuaulu Preserved_Specimen Forbes, C.N. 1036 Hawaii BISH 1915-07-01
82 Phytolacca sandwicensis East Maui, Ukulele, above Olinda Preserved_Specimen Forbes, C.N. 208 Maui BISH 1910-07-01
83 Phytolacca sandwicensis East Maui, Manawainui Planeze fenceline, East of Healani LZ. Preserved_Specimen Bailey, T. Maui BISH 2013-06-12
84 Phytolacca sandwicensis Kilauea Volcano Preserved_Specimen Forbes, C.N. Hawaii BISH 1908-09-01
85 Phytolacca sandwicensis Mount Kaala Preserved_Specimen (Not on sheet) Oahu BISH 1908-08-05
86 Phytolacca sandwicensis S. Kona, McCandless Ranch Preserved_Specimen Marks, Mrs.L. Hawaii BISH 1955-01-14
87 Phytolacca sandwicensis East Maui, Nahiku Preserved_Specimen Lyon, H.L. Maui BISH 1909-01-15
88 Phytolacca sandwicensis Oahu ?; [Kaala ??] Range. 3rd Gulch from [gap ??] east side Preserved_Specimen Forbes, C.N. Oahu BISH 1908-08-05
89 Phytolacca sandwicensis Waianae Mts.: Puu Kaua; Honouliuli Preserved_Specimen Krauss, N.H. Oahu BISH 1932-11-06
90 Phytolacca sandwicensis Mount Kaala Preserved_Specimen (Not on sheet) 16 Oahu BISH 1908-08-05
91 Phytolacca sandwicensis [Hawaiian Islands; U.S.A. Preserved_Specimen BISH
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