Re: Phytolacca dioica

Hi All
This tree is not widely grown but not uncommon here,where its commonly known
as the monkey grape.
A few observations - It gets very big. Botanica gives it as 15m (50ft) high
by 3m (10ft) wide. The heights probably right but I've seen specimens easily
15m+ wide as well. ie - make sure you have the room for it. Also very hard
to get rid of once you have it. Suckers away very easily if cut back &
incredibly drought hardy , for such a lush tree, once established. Does
throw good shade, but incredibly messy with it. Really loved by fruit bats &
starlings & you get a lot of droppings & litter. The roots are also very
vigorous & will break walls, foundations, paving, drains etc quite happily.
A lovely specimen for a park like situation, but I wouldn't regard it as a
good tree for the average home garden.

Regards

Glenn Breayley. Ragnarok & Valhalla Research.
POBox 26158, Hout Bay, 7872, Capetown, South Africa
Ph/Fax SA 021 7904253 E-mail valhalla@iafrica.com
Wholesale nurseryman & Tillandsia specialist wholesale & retail grower.
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