Turkey berry is a broadleaved, evergreen, shrub or small tree, growing up to 16 ft tall. The stems are armed with stout, straight or lightly curved prickles. The alternate leaves are elliptical in shape, have prickles along the midvein, and range from unlobed to strongly lobed. The small, white flowers occur in large clusters. Fruit are small yellow berries with 210-220 seeds. Seeds ovate to broadly ovate, broadly elliptic, or nearly circular, infrequently C-shaped in outline. Once established, it can sprout from its roots, creating large thickets that could displace other vegetation. Turkey berry is found throughout the world’s tropical regions.