50. Phytolaccaceae

This family is sometimes known as the Pokeweed family, and it was the common weed Phytolacca americana or American Pokeweed (above and below) that I found in abundance one summer on land behind my parents' house. Although toxic, there is a hillbilly tradition of boiling the leaves three times to make a food called "poke salad". The term was made famous by Elvis Presley when he sang a cover of the song "Polk Salad Annie" in 1969.

A South American relative of pokeweed is the massive Ombu Tree (Phytolacca dioica), one of which I encountered at the Fullerton Arboretum. Evidently in countries like Argentina and Uruguay this striking shade tree is a symbol of Gaucho culture.

49. Paulowniaceae

My introduction to this mostly Asian family was a freak occurrence of Paulownia tomentosa, also known as Empress Tree, growing on my Dad's property. What distinguishes it is that it is the fastest growing tree in the world. The weed must have reached ten or twelve feet, getting our attention and making it easier to identify. Paulownia is named after the Grand Duchess Anna Pavlovna of Russia. The genus is closely associated with, and sometimes included in the Scrophulariaceae family.

48. Paeoniaceae

I'll always remember my Mom pointing out the Tree Peonies (above and below). A Tree Peony is any member of the genus Paeonia with a woody stem. Most are perennials. Paeonia is the only genus in the family Paeoniaceae. Some come from Asia, others from the Mediterranean and western North America. Many of the ornamental species come from China.