Pircunia dioica Moq.

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.

Male and female flowers occur on separate trees.

P. dioica will grow on a variety of s and is undemanding in soil fertility.

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.

Native 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.

P. dioica can be propagated by direct seeding.

The tree can be pruned to form a perfectly domed crown suitable for shade.

The species may show orthodox seed storage behaviour. There are approximately 150 000 seeds/kg.

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.

Fodder: 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.