What actually were the gut cherries in the story hatchet?

In "Hatchet" by Gary Paulsen, the "gut cherries" refer to the berries that the protagonist, Brian, discovers while stranded in the wilderness. These berries are actually chokecherries, which he initially mistakes for something safe to eat. However, they are not palatable and can cause nausea if consumed in large quantities, highlighting Brian's struggle to survive and the challenges of foraging in the wild. This experience is part of his journey toward self-reliance and understanding nature.