Baby pepper, Coralito, Inkberry, Pigeonberry, Rouge plant, Small pokeweed
Syn.: Tithonia humilis Kuntze; Rivina laevis var. acuminata Moq. in DC.; Piercea acuminata Raf.; Rivina acuminata Raf.; Tithonia humilis f. albiflora Kuntze; Rivina aurantiaca Warsc. ex Schenk; Rivina brasiliensis Nocca; Rivina canescens G. Don ex Steud.; Rivina humilis var. canescens (G. Don ex Steud.) Moq.; Piercea glabra Mill.
Family – Phytolaccaceae, líčidlovité
Description: Is a small perennial shrub that typically grows 1 to 3 feet tall, with glossy, dark green, oval to lance-shaped leaves. It produces small, star-like white to pinkish flowers in dense clusters, followed by bright red, berry-like fruits.
Substitutes – Rivina indica: A related species that shares similar environmental and medicinal uses with Rivina humilis, but differs in its flower structure and slightly larger fruit size. Rivina indica is often used in landscaping and has potential medicinal applications, though it is not as widely used as Rivina humilis. – Rivina humilis var. angustifolia: This variety of Rivina humilis has narrower leaves than the typical variety but shares many of the same characteristics, including its red fruits and small, clustered flowers. It also grows in similar climates, preferring well-drained soils and moderate watering. It is used for ornamental purposes and also has a role in traditional medicinal practices.
Ecology: Prefers well-drained, sandy or loamy soils and can grow in both sunny and partially shaded areas. And and has applications in soil stabilization for erosion control.
General Distribution: Found in regions such as South America, Central America, the Caribbean, and parts of Africa and Asia.
Use: While the berries are toxic if consumed in large quantities due to their saponin content, they have been used in traditional medicine for their potential anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
Author of text and Photos: Chanduni Bootawatta.
Photographed in Matale, Sri Lanka on date 20 /01/2025.
Poslat emailem
