Endod (Phytolacca dodecandra)

Family: Phytolaccaceae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Phytolacca dodecandra, commonly known as African Soapberry, Endod, or Gopo Berry, is a native to Tropical Africa, Southern Africa, and Madagascar. It is an evergreen shrub growing up to 4 m in height. The leaves are alternate, oval, and taper to the tip.The flowering stalks are long and erect, and are white to creamy-green.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Berries, Leaves, Shoots

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Young leaves and stems - cooked. — Young leaves and stems - cooked.; There is considerable difference in opinion about the edibility of the leaves, with them being eaten in soups and as a vegetable in some parts of Africa, whilst in other areas they are considered poisonous and are said to have caused the death of people eating them.; The fruits are eaten in parts of Africa.; The fleshy fruit, which is up to 15 mm in diameter, consists of 4 - 5 one-seeded berries.

Habitat & North American Range

Found in a wide range habitats, including dry or moist forest; woodland; bushland; thickets; grassland; often on or near river banks; on old forest land; plantations; at elevations of 500 - 2,400 metres. (Zone 10)