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These plants I grew, or thought I grew, in a pot from seeds I got from this little green fruit I bought from the local grocery. This fruit has a green cactus like skin with a red pulpy inside with a lot of seeds. I planted them in a couple of pots. These are what came up in the pot. I transplanted them in my garden and that is when I noticed that I had some others just like it growing in the garden already. I've let one grow and now it is leaning but not producing anything. The picture is of one that grew in my garden next to my Okra plants. If anyone could tell me anything that would be helpful.
Phylo-whosawhatsthat? OK, I am a beginner. All I really want to know is will it grow anything I can eat? Here is another pic. As far as detail goes what you see is what there is. The leaves are growing in a spiral. Each new leaf is higher than the previous. The stalk has a tinge of purple at the base and the leaves are soft and feel moist. Bugs seem to like them. I have one that is about a foot tall but has yet to do anything else but grow.
Pokeweed? OK, I have been tasting it raw. Maybe that is why I've been feeling ill lately. Thanks for the info. I have some more pics. It seems to have some flowers growing on a stalk in the middle of the top.
George, here's a picture of Pokeweed taken in May...compare to your plants. If your plants are indeed Pokeweed, they should be much larger and have already produced berry clusters this late in the season. Please don't be eating any plant material that hasn't been positively ID'd.
Also, remember to be very careful even with positive IDs. If not working with an herbal doctor or equivalent, don't replace any prescriptions. If replacing an over the counter or using it as an additive, start very small and work up. Just like western meds herbs can have unexpected side effects with some people. If you start small and something happens it shouldn't be a problem, take a full does and you might end up in the hospital.
Phytolacca can be very serious if eaten raw. Immediately after eating raw pokeweed one would feel a burning sensation in the mouth. If enough was eaten, in about two hours you would feel stomach cramps, vomiting, diarrhea, difficult breathing, visual disturbances, weakness and if too much was eaten, convulsions.
However, if you cook pokeweed very very, it is safe to eat. Steaming it for half an hour, then sautee it in butter & garlic is a good recipe.
Thanks to all of you for your very helpful words of wisdom. The case is solved. I won't do the old taste testing anymore either. I've been feeling a lot better. The leaves were so soft and succulent I just knew it had to be the fruit I bought from the store. I will find out what that fruit was. Thanks again for all the help.
