Phytolacca, growing near the Reserva Ecologica Alto Choco, Imbabura Province.  Pokeweeds are fairly common all over the world, and most notable in the Southern United States, where they are considered a vegetable.  The species common to Ecuador grows as a low shrub in most parts of the country, producing its distinctive fuchsia coloured blooms year-round.  Propagation is by seed or cutting, and the plant has the tendency to become invasive.

Pokeweed contains high concentrations of a pair of toxins, collectively called phytolaccatoxins, which are harmful to mammals.  However, by repeated boiling these toxins can be removed from the leaves, to yield the dish called Poke Salad.  This is not a common thing in Ecuador, however, as many more edible plants are available.  Topically, the juice of the leaves is a folk remedy for acne, and grated root can be used to reduce inflammation.  The berries of Pokeweed yeild a strong red dye that requires no mordant but will fade to a rusty brown over time.  Fixing the dye with alum helps it retain its strong red tint.  Concentrated pokeberry dye can be used as ink.