Coral Berry

Description:

Rivina humilis is a perennial herbaceous plant in the family Petiveriaceae. It was formerly placed in the pokeweed family, Phytolaccaceae. The plant goes by a variety of common names, but "bloodberry" seems to be the one most frequently used that I've encountered online. I Australia, it is simply referred to as "coral berry". The species is native to the tropical and sub-tropical Americas. Widely naturalised in the coastal and sub-coastal districts of eastern Australia (ie: in eastern Queensland and north-eastern NSW). This species is regarded as a significant environmental weed in NSW and Queensland.

Habitat:

This spotting was in native bushland along the Araucaria Track, at Enoggera Reservoir in Brisbane. This section of the track has lush vegetation, is quite damp and well-shaded, which is the kind of habitat Rivina humilis prefers. Typically found in closed forests, forest margins, riparian vegetation, disturbed sites, waste areas, urban bushland and gardens in tropical and sub-tropical regions.

Notes:

https://www.cabi.org/isc/datasheet/11674... (see uses) The berries of Rivina humilis do not appear to be edible/safe for human consumption. However, it has been used as a folk medicine to treat colds, diarrhoea, difficult urination, flatulence, gonorrhoea, jaundice and ovarian pain (Nellis, 1987).... Extracts of the berries were not toxic to rats. The juice of the berries has been tested in male rats and is reported to be safe to consume.... Has medicinal and pharmaceutical uses, as well as being used in cosmetics, and for dye/tanning. (Invasive Species Compendium)