| Rivina humilis | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Eudicots |
| (unranked): | Core eudicots |
| Order: | Caryophyllales |
| Family: | Phytolaccaceae |
| Genus: | Rivina |
| Species: | R. humilis |
| Binomial name | |
| Rivina humilis L. |
|
| Synonyms | |
|
Rivina laevis L.[1] |
|
Rivina humilis is a species of flowering plant in the pokeweed family, Phytolaccaceae, that is native to the Americas. It can be found in the southern United States, the Caribbean, Central America, and tropical South America. Common names include Pigeonberry, Rouge Plant, Baby Peppers,[2] Bloodberry, and Coralito.[1] The specific epithet means "dwarfish" or "lowly" in Latin, referring to the plant's short stature.[3]
Contents |
Pigeonberry is an erect, vine-like[4] herb,[2] reaching a height of 0.4–2 m (1.3–6.6 ft).[4] The leaves of this evergreen perennial[5] are up to 15 cm (5.9 in) wide and 9 cm (3.5 in), with a petiole 1–11 cm (0.39–4.3 in) in length. Flowers are on racemes 4–15 cm (1.6–5.9 in) long with a peduncle 1–5 cm (0.39–2.0 in) in length and pedicels 2–8 mm (0.079–0.31 in) long. Sepals are 1.5–3.5 mm (0.059–0.14 in) in length and white or green to pink or purplish.[4] The fruit is a glossy, bright red berry[3] 2.5–5 mm (0.098–0.20 in) in diameter.[4]
R. humilis can be found in forests, thickets, shell middens, hammocks, roadsides, and disturbed areas at elevations from sea level to 1,700 m (5,600 ft).[4] It requires less than partial sun and is tolerant of full shade. It is also tolerant of salt spray and saline soils.[5]
Pigeonberry is cultivated as an ornamental in warm regions throughout the world[4] and is valued as a shade-tolerant groundcover.[6] It is also grown as a houseplant[7] and in greenhouses.[4] Juice made from the berries was used as a dye and ink at one time. The berries contain a pigment known as Rivianin or Rivinianin,[3] which has the IUPAC name 5-O-β-D-Glucopyranoside, 3-sulfate, CAS number 58115-21-2, and molecular formula C24H26N2O16S.[8] It is very similar to betanin, the pigment found in beets.[3]
R. humilis is a host plant for the caterpillars of Goodson's Greenstreak (Cyanophrys goodsoni)[9]