Phytolacca dodecandra (Pokeroot or Endod)

A plant species of the family phytolaccaceae. The root has been used in traditional medicine and contains saponins (sapogenin glycosides) used to poison snails. Sapogenins are poisonous towards the lower forms of life and are powerful haemolytics when injected into the blood stream able to dissolve red blood cells at even extreme dilutions. Close-up of bunch of small black berries on pink stems. Shows also large point tipped leaves.