Solanaceace is an economically important family, and the genus Solanum is the largest and most representative of the family. Many species of the genus are important commercial crops and consumed globally. However, few species are not well known and underutilized. One such species is Solanum torvum, commonly known as turkey berry. It is a perennial tall evergreen shrub about four metre tall with a prickly stem. The fruits are round in shape, and borne in clusters, with thin fleshed containing many flat and brown seeds. Immature fruits are used especially as a vegetable in some parts of the world. It is less known and underexploited plant. This review highlights the botany, uses of S. torvum as food in different parts of the world, uses of the plants in traditional medicine for treatment of various ailments, pharmacological activities of the plant and studies in vegetable grafting, as a rootstock against different biotic and abiotic stress.

Solanum torvum, botany, ethnobotany, pharmacological activity, vegetable grafting

Solanum torvum is a relatively lesser known vegetable, consumed by different group and communities across the world particularly in the tropic and sub tropical zones. Botanically, it is a perennial shrub and though cultivated in backyard and home garden in some region, it is considered as a weed in some area. Traditional use of the different parts of the plant has been reported in different parts of the world. Ethnobotanically, it use ranges from skin infection treatment, toothache, stomach ache, diabetes etc. Pharmacological activity of the plant has also been reported such as antidiabetic activity, anti bacterial activity, anti-ulcerogenic activity, hepatoprotective activity, anti-inflammatory and anti cancer activity. Different studies have also reported the potential use of the S. torvum as a rootstock against biotic and abiotic stress for enhancing production. However, more studies and trials may be conducted further to utilize the plant to its full potential.

L. Mashine, Suchand Datta, Claribel Grace Pradhan, Tsering Lanzes, Khushboo Sharma, Ps. Mariam Anal and Jome Rime (2023). An Overview on Solanum torvum Swartz; A Lesser Known Species. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(12): 368-374.