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Turkey berry
Also known as: Platebrush, Prickly nightshade, Pea eggplant, Pea aubergine
The Solanum torvum is a spiny and erect perennial plant that produces white, tubular flowers followed by edible berries. The berries are bitter in taste and often used in soups and sauces.
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Toxic to Human & Pets
Toxicity
Perennial
Lifespan
Shrub
Plant Type
1.5 m
Spread
Green, Blue
Leaf Color
2.5 cm
Flower Size
White
Flower Color
Evergreen
Leaf type
15 - 38 ℃
Ideal Temperature

Images of Turkey berry

Distribution of Turkey berry

Distribution Map
Turkey berry has a wide-ranging presence, native to the tropical regions of America but has since spread to various continents including Asia and Africa. In its introduced range, turkey berry is present in numerous major regions but is sometimes thought to be of ecological concern in certain areas, such as parts of East Africa, where it may have an impact on local ecosystems. The extent to which turkey berry disrupts natural habitats is gently framed, focusing on potential rather than definitive ecological interactions.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Introduced
No species reported
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Habitat
Woodland clearings, thickets, waste places
Hemisphere Trend Curve

Toxicity

Turkey berry is a poisonous plant with solanaceous steroidal glycoalkaloids in leaves and unripe berries, causing gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms. Severity depends on the number of berries consumed, age, and weight. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, confusion, lethargy, and more severe neurological impacts. Both cats and dogs are moderately at risk if they ingest the plant, requiring immediate veterinary care. Ripe berries are non-toxic but hard to distinguish from unripe ones.
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RELATED: Toxicity of Turkey berry

Weed Control

Turkey berry, Solanum torvum, also known as Turkey berry, is a plant initially from the regions of Central and South America. It shares attributes common to many weeds due to its aggressive and invasive nature. The plant reproduces rapidly, producing numerous seeds that can easily establish in a new area. Turkey berry is an annual plant that can grow several meters high, often smothering other plants in its vicinity, which makes it particularly harmful to gardens. It not only competes for nutrients, sunlight, and space but also can host harmful pests and diseases. Furthermore, turkey berry has a high tolerance to adverse conditions, which contributes to its spread. The primary method for spreading is through its small, round fruits. These berries are consumed by birds and other animals, who then disperse the seeds in their droppings, enabling turkey berry to colonize new areas quickly.
How to Control It
The ideal season for removing turkey berry also known as Turkey berry is the rainy season or early summer. The plants should be weeded out before they start flowering or bearing fruit to prevent their spread. Methods include:
  1. Hand-Pulling: Using gloves to protect your hands, grasp the plant as closely to the ground as possible and pull upwards, ensuring to get the roots.
  2. Cultivation: This involves turning the soil around the plants to bury them and disrupt their growth. Use a garden spade or hoe to do this.
  3. Organic Mulching: This method works by blocking sunlight, preventing the growth of turkey berry. Lay down a thick layer of straw, wood chips or compost in the affected area. Ensure you completely cover turkey berry to starve it off sunlight.
  4. Use of Cover Crops: Plant cover crops like clover or rye in your garden to out-compete turkey berry. They'll cover the soil, provide shade, and prevent turkey berry from growing.
  5. Solarization: This is a simple, non-toxic method that uses the power of the sun to kill turkey berry. First, water the area where turkey berry is growing, then cover it with a clear plastic tarp. Leave it exposed to sunlight for at least 4-6 weeks. The heat will kill the plant and its seeds.
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Care Guide for Turkey berry

Every 1-2 weeks
Water
Full sun
Sunlight
15 - 38 ℃
Ideal Temperature
Garden Soil
Soil Type
Water: Turkey berry thrives in warm, moist conditions but requires watering every 1-2 weeks, showing moderate drought tolerance. Typically grown outdoors, it flourishes with balanced soil moisture to prevent overwatering during active growth periods.
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