Poke \Poke\, n. (Bot.)
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 color wine.
Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
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