A plant record

Turkey berry (zamorèt)

Solanum torvum

EnglishTurkey berry

Kreyòlzamorèt

FrançaisAmourette

BotanicalSolanum torvum

Turkey berry (zamorèt) — Solanum torvum, used in Haitian and Caribbean herbal tradition

Traditionally used

Hypertension, diabetes, respiratory infections, fever, digestive disorders, kidney stones, inflammation, wounds

Prepared as

The leaves and young fruits are typically prepared as a decoction by boiling 2-3 handfuls of fresh plant material in 4-6 cups of water for 15-20 minutes until the liquid reduces by half. The strained tea is consumed warm, with adults taking 1/2 to 1 cup three times daily for digestive issues, hypertension, or as a blood cleanser. Fresh leaves may also be crushed and applied directly as a poultice for skin conditions, or the fruits eaten raw in small quantities (3-5 berries) for stomach complaints.

In three languages

Kreyòl — Tansyon wo, diab, enfeksyon nan pwatrin, lafyèv, pwoblèm vant, kalkil nan ren, enflmasyon, blesi

Français — Hypertension artérielle, diabète, infections respiratoires, fièvre, troubles digestifs, calculs rénaux, inflammation, plaies

Safety

Safety notes for this plant are still being written. Until they are, treat it with a cautious hand.

Plants can look similar and be misidentified — always verify with a local herbalist or guide before use.

Kept alongside

LicoricePineapplePeacock flowerCalotropePapayaRingworm senna

More on Haitian plant medicine