Inkweed

Herb 1–2 m high, often woody at base, stems and inflorescences green to pinkish, glabrous.

Leaves elliptic to ovate or lanceolate, 5–16 cm long, 1–7 cm wide, margins entire, glabrous; petiole 10–40 mm long.

Stalk of inflorescence 1–2 cm long; pedicels in fruiting stage 2–3 mm long, shorter than the fruit. Stamens mostly 7 or 8, all inserted on the outer margin of the disc. Carpels mostly 8.

Fruit depressed-globose, 4–6 mm diam., red turning to black when ripe; to 8-lobed and 8-seeded.