"Phytolacca" Natural Recordings by Native Speakers
Pityolacca refers to a genus of flowering plants in the family Phytolaccaceae, commonly known as pokeweeds or poko trees. The main characteristic of this genus is the presence of toxic compounds called phytolaccatoxins in the fruits, leaves, and seeds of the plants, which can cause poisoning in humans and animals if ingested. Phytolacca americana, also known as pokeweed, is a native North American species commonly found along streams, roads and railroads, and in recently abandoned fields with a history of disturbance. This is the most commonly referenced species within the phytolacca genus, although there are over 20 per species classification.
Phytoliths are small, atrophied bodies that are produced by plants with grass-like leaves, such as grasses, sedges, and horsetails. They are created when clusters of cells on the surface of plant stems and leaves grow long and become hard, forming a hardened, microscopic scale. Phytoliths are usually round or polygonal in shape and can be found in the soil, archaeological sediments, and as other pigments with some minerals.