From time to time we like to introduce you to a rare plant. Our protagonist on this occasion is one whose fruits powerfully attract attention. In fact, as soon as we see them, it reminds us of ... doll eyes, truth? And that is precisely its popular name.
If you want to know how it lives, and what care it requires ... don't take your eyes off the monitor.
Scientifically known by the name of Actaea pachypoda, this perennial plant is native to eastern North America. It reaches a height of about 50cm, and has bipinnate compound leaves, with a serrated edge, about 40cm in length. The white flowers appear distributed in clusters. And the very peculiar fruit is a drupe (like cherries, for example) of white or pink color, with a black point. Because of this, many know it by the name of "doll eyes", since the resemblance to the eyeball is very high.
Although it may seem otherwise, this plant is very toxic. The fruits are very poisonous, so you have to be very careful. Now, it must be added that indigenous peoples use it to combat the poison of the rattlesnake. Despite this, do not use this plant if you do not know what you are doing, since otherwise you could put yourself in danger.
As long as there are no small children or pets, can be grown in a pot. To do this, you can use a substrate composed of 60% black peat and 40% perlite or volcanic clay to reduce the risk of excess humidity. Likewise, you have to water 2-3 times a week in summer, and 1-2 the rest of the year.
The most suitable location will be one where it is protected from direct sun, in an area where there is a lot of natural light.
Did you know this peculiar plant?