Edit page | Page history | Printable version

poke

(Science: botany) A large North American herb of the genus phytolacca (P. Decandra), bearing dark purple juicy berries; called also garget, pigeon berry, pocan, and pokeweed. The root and berries have emetic and purgative properties, and are used in medicine. The young shoots are sometimes eaten as a substitute for asparagus, and the berries are said to be used in Europe to colour wine.