''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350

species In biology, a species is the basic unit of Taxonomy (biology), classification and a taxonomic rank of an organism, as well as a unit of biodiversity. A species is often defined as the largest group of organisms in which any two individuals of ...

, found in the

tropics The tropics are the regions of Earth surrounding the Equator. They are defined in latitude by the Tropic of Cancer in the Northern Hemisphere at N and the Tropic of Capricorn in the Southern Hemisphere at S. The tropics are also referred ...

and

subtropic The subtropical zones or subtropics are geographical and climate zones to the north and south of the tropics. Geographically part of the temperate zones of both hemispheres, they cover the middle latitudes from to approximately 35° nort ...

s worldwide.Kew World Checklist of Selected Plant Families
/ref> In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are

endemic Endemism is the state of a species being found in a single defined geographic location, such as an island, state, nation, country or other defined zone; organisms that are indigenous to a place are not endemic to it if they are also found els ...

), while there are 20 in North America north of

Mexico Mexico ( Spanish: México), officially the United Mexican States, is a country in the southern portion of North America. It is bordered to the north by the United States; to the south and west by the Pacific Ocean; to the southeast by Guate ...

. They are climbing

flowering plant Flowering plants are plants that bear flowers and fruits, and form the clade Angiospermae (), commonly called angiosperms. They include all forbs (flowering plants without a woody stem), grasses and grass-like plants, a vast majority of ...

s, many of which are woody and/or thorny, in the

monocotyledon Monocotyledons (), commonly referred to as monocots, ( Lilianae ''sensu'' Chase & Reveal) are grass and grass-like flowering plants (angiosperms), the seeds of which typically contain only one embryonic leaf, or cotyledon. They constitute one of ...

family Family (from la, familia) is a group of people related either by consanguinity (by recognized birth) or affinity (by marriage or other relationship). The purpose of the family is to maintain the well-being of its members and of society. Idea ...

Smilacaceae Smilacaceae, the greenbriers, is a family of flowering plants. While they were often assigned to a more broadly defined family Liliaceae, most recent botanists have accepted the two as distinct families, diverging around 55 million years ago dur ...

, native throughout the tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Common names include ''catbriers'', ''greenbriers'', ''prickly-ivys'' and ''smilaxes''. ''Sarsaparilla'' (also zarzaparrilla, sarsparilla) is a name used specifically for the

Jamaica Jamaica (; ) is an island country situated in the Caribbean Sea. Spanning in area, it is the third-largest island of the Greater Antilles and the Caribbean (after Cuba and Hispaniola). Jamaica lies about south of Cuba, and west of Hispan ...

n '' S. ornata'' as well as a catch-all term in particular for American species. Occasionally, the non-woody species such as the smooth herbaceous greenbrier (''S. herbacea'') are separated as genus ''Nemexia''; they are commonly known by the rather ambiguous name ''carrion flowers''. Greenbriers get their scientific name from the Greek myth of

Crocus ''Crocus'' (; plural: crocuses or croci) is a genus of seasonal flowering plants in the family Iridaceae (iris family) comprising about 100 species of perennials growing from corms. They are low growing plants, whose flower stems remain underg ...

and the

nymph A nymph ( grc, νύμφη, nýmphē, el, script=Latn, nímfi, label=Modern Greek; , ) in ancient Greek folklore is a minor female nature deity. Different from Greek goddesses, nymphs are generally regarded as personifications of nature, are ty ...

Smilax ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flow ...

. Though this myth has numerous forms, it always centers around the unfulfilled and tragic love of a mortal man who is turned into a flower, and a woodland nymph who is transformed into a brambly vine.

Description

On their own, ''Smilax'' plants will grow as shrubs, forming dense impenetrable thickets. They will also grow over trees and other plants up to 10 m high, their hooked thorns allowing them to hang onto and scramble over branches. The genus includes both

deciduous In the fields of horticulture and Botany, the term ''deciduous'' () means "falling off at maturity" and "tending to fall off", in reference to trees and shrubs that seasonally shed leaves, usually in the autumn; to the shedding of petals, a ...

and

evergreen In botany, an evergreen is a plant which has foliage that remains green and functional through more than one growing season. This also pertains to plants that retain their foliage only in warm climates, and contrasts with deciduous plants, which ...

species. The leaves are heart shaped and vary from 4–30 cm long in different species. Greenbrier is

dioecious Dioecy (; ; adj. dioecious , ) is a characteristic of a species, meaning that it has distinct individual organisms (unisexual) that produce male or female gametes, either directly (in animals) or indirectly (in seed plants). Dioecious reproducti ...

. However, only about one in three colonies have plants of both sexes. Plants flower in May and June with white/green clustered

flower A flower, sometimes known as a bloom or blossom, is the reproductive structure found in flowering plants (plants of the division Angiospermae). The biological function of a flower is to facilitate reproduction, usually by providing a mechanism ...

s. If

pollination Pollination is the transfer of pollen from an anther of a plant to the stigma of a plant, later enabling fertilisation and the production of seeds, most often by an animal or by wind. Pollinating agents can be animals such as insects, birds ...

occurs, the plant will produce a bright red to blue-black spherical

berry A berry is a small, pulpy, and often edible fruit. Typically, berries are juicy, rounded, brightly colored, sweet, sour or tart, and do not have a stone or pit, although many pips or seeds may be present. Common examples are strawberries, rasp ...

fruit In botany, a fruit is the seed-bearing structure in flowering plants that is formed from the ovary after flowering. Fruits are the means by which flowering plants (also known as angiosperms) disseminate their seeds. Edible fruits in partic ...

about 5–10 mm in diameter that matures in the fall.

Taxonomy

The genus has traditionally been considered as divided into a number of

sections Section, Sectioning or Sectioned may refer to: Arts, entertainment and media * Section (music), a complete, but not independent, musical idea * Section (typography), a subdivision, especially of a chapter, in books and documents ** Section sig ...

, but

molecular phylogenetic Molecular phylogenetics () is the branch of phylogeny that analyzes genetic, hereditary molecular differences, predominantly in DNA sequences, to gain information on an organism's evolutionary relationships. From these analyses, it is possible to ...

studies reveals that these morphologically defined subdivisions are not

monophyletic In cladistics for a group of organisms, monophyly is the condition of being a clade—that is, a group of taxa composed only of a common ancestor (or more precisely an ancestral population) and all of its lineal descendants. Monophyletic ...

. Subdivision is best considered in terms of

clades A clade (), also known as a monophyletic group or natural group, is a group of organisms that are monophyletic – that is, composed of a common ancestor and all its lineal descendants – on a phylogenetic tree. Rather than the English term ...

(A–D), corresponding to biogeography, with the main divisions being Old World (clades C, D) and New World (clade B) with the exception of '' S. aspera'', that appears to be

sister A sister is a woman or a girl who shares one or more parents with another individual; a female sibling. The male counterpart is a brother. Although the term typically refers to a familial relationship, it is sometimes used endearingly to refer to ...

to all other species (clade A) and has a tri-continental

disjunction In logic, disjunction is a logical connective typically notated as \lor and read aloud as "or". For instance, the English language sentence "it is raining or it is snowing" can be represented in logic using the disjunctive formula R \lor ...

. Section ''Smilax'' includes "

woody Woody may refer to: Biology * Pertaining to wood, a plant tissue and material * Woody plant, a plant with a rigid stem containing wood * Pertaining to woodland, land covered with trees * Woody, slang for a penile erection People and fictional ch ...

", prickly

vine A vine ( Latin ''vīnea'' "grapevine", "vineyard", from ''vīnum'' "wine") is any plant with a growth habit of trailing or scandent (that is, climbing) stems, lianas or runners. The word ''vine'' can also refer to such stems or runners thems ...

s of temperate North America, for example cat greenbrier ('' S. glauca'') and common greenbrier ('' S. rotundifolia'').FNAEC (2002) Section ''Nemexia'' includes unarmed

herbaceous plant Herbaceous plants are vascular plants that have no persistent woody stems above ground. This broad category of plants includes many perennials, and nearly all annuals and biennials. Definitions of "herb" and "herbaceous" The fourth edition ...

s of temperate North America, for example "

carrion flower Carrion flowers, also known as corpse flowers or stinking flowers, are mimetic flowers that emit an odor that smells like rotting flesh. Apart from the scent, carrion flowers often display additional characteristics that contribute to the mimes ...

s" like the smooth herbaceous greenbrier ('' S. herbacea''). Section ''

Heterosmilax ''Heterosmilax'' was considered a genus of flowering plants in the family Smilacaceae. It was native to southern China and Southeast Asia. Subsequent molecular phylogenetic studies showed that it was embedded within another genus, ''Smilax'' and ...

'' represents a previous separate genus that was found to be embedded within Smilax, and was reduced to a section within it.

List of selected species

* ''

Smilax aberrans ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flowering ...

'' Gagnep. * '' Smilax aculeatissima'' Conran * '' Smilax amblyobasis'' K.Krause * ''

Smilax ampla ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are Endemism, endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing ...

'' Warb. ex K.Krause * ''

Smilax anceps ''Smilax anceps'' is a vigorous scrambling vine or shrub, and is one of some 278 species in the genus ''Smilax'' in the family Smilacaceae. The species is widespread in Tropical Africa, Southern Africa, Réunion, Mauritius, Comoros, and Madagasc ...

Willd. Carl Ludwig Willdenow (22 August 1765 – 10 July 1812) was a German botanist, pharmacist, and plant taxonomist. He is considered one of the founders of phytogeography, the study of the geographic distribution of plants. Willdenow was als ...

* ''

Smilax anguina ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flowering ...

'' K.Krause * ''

Smilax annulata ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flow ...

'' Warb. ex K.Krause * ''

Smilax aquifolium ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flow ...

'' Ferrufino & Greuter * ''

Smilax arisanensis ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flowering ...

'' Hayata * '' Smilax aristolochiifolia''

Mill. Philip Miller FRS (1691 – 18 December 1771) was an English botanist and gardener of Scottish descent. Miller was chief gardener at the Chelsea Physic Garden for nearly 50 years from 1722, and wrote the highly popular ''The Gardeners Dicti ...

– American sarsaparilla * ''

Smilax aspera ''Smilax aspera'', with common names common smilax, rough bindweed, sarsaparille,Smilax aspericaulis ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flowering ...

''Wall. ex A.DC. * ''

Smilax assumptionis ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flowering ...

'' A.DC. * ''

Smilax astrosperma ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flowering ...

'' F.T.Wang & Tang * '' Smilax auriculata'' Walter * ''

Smilax australis ''Smilax australis'' (lawyer vine, austral sarsaparilla, barbwire vine, or " wait-a-while") is a vine in the family Smilacaceae, endemic to Australia. It has prickly climbing stems that are up to 8 metres long with coiled tendrils that are ...

'' R.Br. – lawyer vine, barbwire vine, wait-a-while ( Australia) * ''

Smilax azorica ''Smilax azorica'' is a species of flowering plants of the Smilacaceae family. The species is endemic to the Azores. It was first described in 1844 as ''Smilax divaricata'', a name that had already been given to another species. It was renamed '' ...

'' H.Schaef. & P.Schönfelder * ''

Smilax bapouensis ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flowering ...

'' H.Li * '' Smilax basilata'' F.T.Wang & Tang * ''

Smilax bauhinioides ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flow ...

'' Kunth * ''

Smilax bella ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flowering ...

'' J.F.Macbr. * ''

Smilax biflora ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flowering ...

'' Siebold ex Miq. * ''

Smilax biltmoreana ''Smilax biltmoreana'', common name Biltmore's carrionflower, is a North American plant species native to the southeastern United States. It is concentrated in the Great Smoky Mountains but with outlying populations in Virginia, North and South ...

'' (Small) J.B.Norton ex Pennell * ''

Smilax biumbellata ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flow ...

'' T.Koyama * '' Smilax blumei'' A.DC. * ''

Smilax bockii ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flowering ...

'' Warb. * ''

Smilax bona-nox ''Smilax bona-nox'', the saw greenbrier, is a species of plant in the family Smilacaceae. It is native to the Southern United States, and eastern Mexico. Description ''Smilax bona-nox,'' also known as saw greenbrier, is a flowering vine that ...

'' L. – saw greenbrier * ''

Smilax borneensis ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flow ...

'' A.DC. * ''

Smilax bracteata ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flow ...

'' Presl * ''

Smilax brasiliensis ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flowering ...

'' Sprengel. * ''

Smilax californica ''Smilax californica'', the California greenbriar, is a common woody vine native to northern California and southwestern Oregon in the western United States. The leaves are dull green, petioled, alternate, and circular to heart-shaped. They are ...

'' (A.DC.) A.Gray * ''

Smilax calophylla ''Smilax calophylla'' is a vine in the greenbrier family. It is native to parts of Southeast Asia (southern Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore, Sumatra) as well as to northeastern Australia (Queensland). ''Smilax calophylla'' is an erect ...

'' Wall. ex A.DC. * ''

Smilax cambodiana ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flowering ...

'' Gagnep. * '' Smilax campestris'' Griseb. * ''

Smilax canariensis ''Smilax canariensis'' is a species of flowering plants of the Smilacaceae family.''Smilax canari ...

'' Willd. * ''

Smilax canellifolia ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flowering ...

'' Mill. * ''

Smilax celebica ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flowering ...

'' Blume * ''

Smilax chapaensis ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flowering ...

'' Gagnep. * ''

Smilax china ''Smilax china'' is a climbing plant species in the genus ''Smilax''. It is native to China, Korea, Taiwan, Japan (including Ryukyu and Bonin Islands), Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, Myanmar, and Assam. It also known as china root, china-root, o ...

'' L. * ''

Smilax chingii ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flowering ...

'' F.T. Wang & Ts.Tang * ''

Smilax cinnamomea ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flowering ...

'' Desf. ex A.DC. * ''

Smilax cissoides ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flowering ...

'' M.Martens & Galeotti * ''

Smilax cocculoides ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flowering ...

'' Warb. * '' Smilax cognata'' Kunth * ''

Smilax compta ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flowering ...

'' (Killip & C.V.Morton) Ferrufino * '' Smilax corbularia'' Kunth * '' Smilax cordato-ovata'' Rich. * ''

Smilax cordifolia ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flow ...

'' Humb. & Bonpl. ex Willd. * ''

Smilax coriacea ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flow ...

'' Spreng. * ''

Smilax cristalensis ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flowering ...

'' Ferrufino & Greuter * ''

Smilax cuprea ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flowering ...

'' Ferrufino & Greuter * ''

Smilax cuspidata ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flowering ...

'' Duhamel * ''

Smilax cyclophylla ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are Endemism, endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing ...

'' Warb. * '' Smilax darrisii'' H.Lév. * ''

Smilax davidiana ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flowering ...

'' A.DC. * ''

Smilax densibarbata ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flow ...

'' F.T.Wang & Tang * ''

Smilax discotis ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flow ...

'' Warb. * '' Smilax domingensis'' Willd. * ''

Smilax ecirrhata ''Smilax ecirrhata'', the upright carrionflower, is a species of flowering plant in the Greenbriar family. It is native to Ontario and to the central United States ( Great Lakes Region and Mississippi/ Ohio/ Missouri Valley). It is found in ...

'' (Engelm. ex Kunth) S.Wats. * ''

Smilax elastica ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flowering ...

'' Griseb. * ''

Smilax elegans ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flowering ...

'' Wall. * ''

Smilax elegantissima ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flowering ...

'' Gagnep. * ''

Smilax elmeri ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flowering ...

'' Merr. * ''

Smilax elongatoumbellata ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flowering ...

'' Hayata * '' Smilax emeiensis'' J.M.Xu * ''

Smilax erecta ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flowering ...

'' Merr. * '' Smilax excelsa'' L. * ''

Smilax extensa ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flowering ...

'' A.DC. * ''

Smilax ferox ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flowering ...

'' Wall. ex Kunth * '' Smilax flavicaulis'' Rusby * '' Smilax fluminensis'' Steud. * ''

Smilax fooningensis ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flowering ...

'' F.T.Wang & Tang * ''

Smilax gagnepainii ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flowering ...

'' T.Koyama * ''

Smilax gigantea ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flowering ...

'' Merr. * ''

Smilax gigantocarpa ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flow ...

'' Koord. * ''

Smilax glabra ''Smilax glabra'', sarsaparilla, is a plant species in the genus ''Smilax''. It is native to China, the Himalayas, and Indochina. ''S. glabra'' is a traditional medicine in Chinese herbology, whence it is also known as tufuling () or chinaroot, ...

'' Roxb. – chinaroot, ' () * ''

Smilax glauca ''Smilax glauca'', the cat greenbriar or catbriar is a woody vine in the family Smilacaceae. It is native to central and eastern portions of the United States, where it is a common and conspicuous part of the forest vegetation. It is also common ...

'' Walter – cat greenbrier, glaucous greenbrier * ''

Smilax glaucochina ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flowering ...

'' Warb. * ''

Smilax glyciphylla ''Smilax glyciphylla'', the sweet sarsaparilla, is a dioecious climber native to eastern Australia. It is widespread in rainforest, sclerophyll forest and woodland; mainly in coastal regions. The leaves are distinctly three-veined with a glau ...

'' Sm. – sweet sarsaparilla, native sarsaparilla ( Australia) * ''

Smilax goyazana ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flowering ...

'' A.DC. * ''

Smilax gracilior ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flow ...

'' Ferrufino & Greuter * ''

Smilax griffithii ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flowering ...

'' A.DC. * ''

Smilax guianensis ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flowering ...

'' Vitman * ''

Smilax guiyangensis ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flowering ...

'' C.X.Fu & C.D.Shen * ''

Smilax havanensis ''Smilax havanensis'' is a plant species native to Cuba, the Cayman Islands, Bahamas, Turks & Caicos, and southern Florida. ''Smilax havanensis'' is a perennial vine armed with prickles. Flowers are small and green, berries dark purple with a w ...

'' Jacq. * ''

Smilax hayatae ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flowering ...

'' T.Koyama * ''

Smilax hemsleyana ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flowering ...

'' Craib. * ''

Smilax herbacea ''Smilax herbacea'', the smooth carrionflower or smooth herbaceous greenbrier, is a plant in the catbriar family. It is native to eastern Canada (Quebec, Ontario, New Brunswick) and the eastern United States (as far south as Georgia and Alabama ...

'' L. – smooth herbaceous greenbrier, carrion flower (southern

Quebec Quebec ( ; )According to the Government of Canada, Canadian government, ''Québec'' (with the acute accent) is the official name in Canadian French and ''Quebec'' (without the accent) is the province's official name in Canadian English is ...

Canada Canada is a country in North America. Its ten provinces and three territories extend from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean and northward into the Arctic Ocean, covering over , making it the world's second-largest country by tota ...

Eastern United States The Eastern United States, commonly referred to as the American East, Eastern America, or simply the East, is the region of the United States to the east of the Mississippi River. In some cases the term may refer to a smaller area or the East C ...

) * ''

Smilax hilariana ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flowering ...

'' A.DC. * ''

Smilax horridiramula ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flowering ...

'' Hayata * '' Smilax hugeri'' (Small) J.B.Norton ex Pennell * ''

Smilax hypoglauca ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flowering ...

'' Benth. * ''

Smilax ilicifolia ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flowering ...

'' Desv. ex Ham. * ''

Smilax illinoensis ''Smilax illinoensis '', the Illinois greenbrier, is a North American species of plants found only in the United States and Canada. It is native primarily to the Great Lakes Region with a few populations farther south in Missouri and in the Ohio ...

'' Mangaly – Illinois greenbrier * ''

Smilax indosinica ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flowering ...

'' T.Koyama * ''

Smilax inversa ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flowering ...

'' T.Koyama * ''

Smilax irrorata ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flow ...

'' Mart. ex Griseb. * ''

Smilax jamesii ''Smilax jamesii'' is a species of flowering plant in the greenbriar family known by the common name English Peak greenbriar. It is to northern California, where it is known from the Klamath Mountains and the southernmost peaks of the Cascade R ...

'' G.Wallace * ''

Smilax japicanga ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flowering ...

'' Griseb. * ''

Smilax javensis ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flowering ...

'' A.DC. * ''

Smilax kaniensis ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are Endemism, endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing ...

'' K.Krause * '' Smilax keyensis'' Warb. ex K.Krause * ''

Smilax kingii ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flow ...

'' Hook.f. * ''

Smilax klotzschii ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flowering ...

'' Kunth * ''

Smilax korthalsii ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flowering ...

'' A.DC. * ''

Smilax kwangsiensis ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flowering ...

'' F.T.Wang & Tang * '' Smilax lanceifolia'' Roxb. * '' Smilax lappacea'' Humb. & Bonpl. ex Willd. * ''

Smilax larvata ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flowering ...

'' Griseb. * ''

Smilax lasioneura ''Smilax lasioneura'', the Blue Ridge carrionflower, is a North American species of flowering plants in the greenbriar family. It is widespread across central Canada and the central United States, from Ontario, Manitoba and Saskatchewan south to ...

'' Hook. – herbaceous greenbrier * ''

Smilax lasseriana ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flowering ...

'' Steyerm. * ''

Smilax laurifolia ''Smilax laurifolia'' is a species of flowering plant in the greenbrier family known by the common names laurel greenbrier, laurelleaf greenbrier, bamboo vine, and blaspheme vine. It is native to the southeastern United States, where it occurs a ...

'' L. * ''

Smilax lebrunii ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flowering ...

'' H.Lév. * ''

Smilax leucophylla ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flowering ...

'' Blume * '' Smilax ligneoriparia'' C.X.Fu & P.Li * ''

Smilax ligustrifolia ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flow ...

'' A.DC. * ''

Smilax loheri ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flowering ...

'' Merr * ''

Smilax longifolia ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flowering ...

'' Rich. * '' Smilax lucida''Merr. * ''

Smilax luei ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flowering ...

'' T.Koyama * ''

Smilax lunglingensis ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flowering ...

'' F.T.Wang & Tang * '' Smilax lushuiensis'' S.C.Chen * ''

Smilax lutescens ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flowering ...

'' Vell. * ''

Smilax luzonensis ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flowering ...

'' Presl * '' Smilax macrocarpa'' Blume * ''

Smilax magnifolia ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flowering ...

'' J.F.Macbr. * '' Smilax mairei'' Lev. * '' Smilax malipoensis'' S.C.Chen * ''

Smilax maritima ''Smilax maritima'' is a North American species of plants native to the south-eastern United States from Texas to North Carolina North Carolina () is a state in the Southeastern region of the United States. The state is the 28th largest ...

'' Feay ex Alph.Wood * '' Smilax maypurensis'' Humb. & Bonpl. ex Willd. * ''

Smilax megacarpa ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flow ...

'' A.DC. * '' Smilax megalantha'' C.H.Wright * ''

Smilax melanocarpa ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flowering ...

'' Ridl. * ''

Smilax melastomifolia ''Smilax melastomifolia'', the Hawai'i greenbrier, is a species of spiny vine found in nature only in the Hawaiian Islands. Spines occur not only on the stems but also on the underside of the leaves and on the peduncles of female flowers. Berries ...

'' Sm. – ''hoi kuahiwi'' (

Hawaii Hawaii ( ; haw, Hawaii or ) is a state in the Western United States, located in the Pacific Ocean about from the U.S. mainland. It is the only U.S. state outside North America, the only state that is an archipelago, and the only ...

) * ''

Smilax menispermoidea ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flowering ...

'' A.DC. * '' Smilax microchina'' T.Koyama * ''

Smilax microphylla ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flowering ...

'' C.H.Wright * ''

Smilax minarum ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flowering ...

'' A.DC. * '' Smilax minutiflora'' A.DC. * ''

Smilax modesta ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are Endemism, endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing ...

'' A.DC. * ''

Smilax mollis ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are Endemism, endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing ...

'' Humb. & Bonpl. ex Willd. * ''

Smilax moranensis ''Smilax moranensis'' is a plant species in the family Smilacaceae. It is native to mountainous areas in Mexico from Sonora and Chihuahua south to Chiapas. ''Smilax moranensis'' is a trailing to climbing vine sometimes reaching a height of 10 m ...

'' Mart. & Galeotti * ''

Smilax munita ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flowering ...

'' S.C.Chen * ''

Smilax muscosa ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flowering ...

'' Toledo * ''

Smilax myosotiflora ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flowering ...

'' A.DC. * '' Smilax myrtillus'' A.DC. * ''

Smilax nageliana ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flowering ...

'' A.DC. * ''

Smilax nana ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are Endemism, endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing ...

'' F.T.Wang * ''

Smilax nantoensis ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flowering ...

'' T.Koyama * ''

Smilax neocaledonica ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flow ...

'' Schltr * ''

Smilax nervomarginata ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flow ...

'' Hayata * ''

Smilax nigrescens ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flowering ...

'' F.T.Wang & Tang * ''

Smilax nipponica ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are Endemism, endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing ...

'' Miq. * ''

Smilax nova-guineensis ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flow ...

'' T.Koyama * '' Smilax obliquata'' Duhamel * '' Smilax oblongata'' Sw. * ''

Smilax ocreata ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flowering ...

'' DC. * '' Smilax odoratissima'' Blume * ''

Smilax officinalis ''Smilax officinalis'' is a species of flowering plant in the family Smilacaceae, native to southern Central America and northwest South America; Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, and Ecuador. A vine reaching as it climbs trees ...

'' Kunth * ''

Smilax orbiculata ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flowering ...

'' Labill. * ''

Smilax ornata ''Smilax ornata'' is a perennial trailing vine with prickly stems that is native to Mexico and Central America. Common names include sarsaparilla, Honduran sarsaparilla, and Jamaican sarsaparilla. It is known in Spanish as ', which is derive ...

'' Lem. * ''

Smilax orthoptera ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flow ...

'' A.DC. * '' Smilax outanscianensis'' Pamp. * ''

Smilax ovalifolia ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flowering ...

'' Roxb. * ''

Smilax ovatolanceolata ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flowering ...

'' T.Koyama * ''

Smilax pachysandroides ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flowering ...

'' T.Koyama * '' Smilax paniculata'' M.Martens & Galeotti * ''

Smilax papuana ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flowering ...

'' Lauterb. * ''

Smilax perfoliata ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flow ...

'' Lour. * '' Smilax petelotii'' T.Koyama * '' Smilax pilcomayensis'' Guagl. & S.Gattuso * ''

Smilax pilosa ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flow ...

'' Andreata & Leoni * '' Smilax pinfaensis'' H.Lév. & Vaniot * ''

Smilax plurifurcata ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flowering ...

'' A.DC. * ''

Smilax poilanei ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flowering ...

'' Gagnep. * ''

Smilax polyacantha ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flowering ...

'' Wall. ex Kunth * ''

Smilax polycolea ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flowering ...

'' Warb. * ''

Smilax populnea ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flowering ...

'' Kunth * ''

Smilax pottingeri ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flowering ...

'' Prain * ''

Smilax pseudochina ''Smilax pseudochina'' is a perennial herb in the greenbriar family. It is commonly called bamboo vine or false chinaroot. Its range extends up the Atlantic Coast of the United States, from Long Island in New York State south to Georgia. Desc ...

'' L. - false chinaroot * '' Smilax pulverulenta'' Michx. * ''

Smilax pumila ''Smilax pumila'', the sarsaparilla vine, is a North American species of plants native to the southeastern United States from eastern Texas to South Carolina )'' Animis opibusque parati'' ( for, , Latin, Prepared in mind and resources, links= ...

'' Walter * ''

Smilax purhampuy ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flowering ...

'' Ruiz * ''

Smilax purpurata ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flow ...

'' G.Forst. * ''

Smilax pygmaea ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flowering ...

'' Merr. * '' Smilax quadrata'' A.DC. * '' Smilax quadrumbellata'' T.Koyama * ''

Smilax quinquenervia ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flowering ...

'' Vell. * ''

Smilax remotinervis ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flowering ...

'' Hand.-Mazz. * '' Smilax retroflexa'' (F.T.Wang & Tang) S.C.Chen * ''

Smilax riparia ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are Endemism, endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing ...

'' A.DC. * ''

Smilax rotundifolia ''Smilax rotundifolia'', also known as roundleaf greenbrier or common greenbrier, is a woody vine native to the southeastern and eastern United States and eastern Canada. It is a common and conspicuous part of the natural forest ecosystems in m ...

'' L. - common greenbrier (Eastern United States) * ''

Smilax rubromarginata ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flow ...

'' K.Krause * ''

Smilax rufescens ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flowering ...

'' Griseb. * ''

Smilax ruiziana ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flowering ...

'' Kunth * ''

Smilax salicifolia ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flowering ...

'' Griseb. * ''

Smilax sanguinea ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flowering ...

'' Posada-Ar. * ''

Smilax santaremensis ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flow ...

'' A.DC. * ''

Smilax saulensis ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flowering ...

'' J.D.Mitch. * ''

Smilax schomburgkiana ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flowering ...

'' Kunth * '' Smilax scobinicaulis'' C.H.Wright * ''

Smilax sebeana ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flow ...

'' Miq. * '' Smilax setiramula'' F.T.Wang & Tang * ''

Smilax setosa ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flowering ...

'' Miq. * ''

Smilax sieboldii ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are Endemism, endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing ...

'' Miq. * ''

Smilax sinclairii ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flowering ...

'' T.Koyama * ''

Smilax siphilitica ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flowering ...

'' Humb. & Bonpl. ex Willd. * ''

Smilax solanifolia ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flow ...

'' A.DC. * '' Smilax spicata'' Vell. * ''

Smilax spinosa ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flowering ...

'' Mill. * ''

Smilax spissa ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flowering ...

'' Killip & C.V.Morton * '' Smilax spruceana'' A.DC. * ''

Smilax stans ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flowering ...

'' Maxim. * ''

Smilax stenophylla ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flow ...

'' A.DC. * ''

Smilax subinermis ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flowering ...

'' C.Presl * '' Smilax subpubescens'' A.DC. * ''

Smilax subsessiliflora ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flow ...

'' Poir. * '' Smilax synandra'' Gagnep. * ''

Smilax talbotiana ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flowering ...

'' A.DC. * ''

Smilax tamnoides ''Smilax tamnoides,'' common name bristly greenbrier, is a North American species of plants native to the United States and Canada. It is widespread from Ontario and New York State south to Texas and Florida. The plant has been called ''Smilax ...

'' L. - halberd-leaved greenbrier * ''

Smilax tetraptera ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are Endemism, endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing ...

'' Schltr * '' Smilax timorensis'' A.DC. * ''

Smilax tomentosa ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flowering ...

'' Kunth * '' Smilax trachypoda'' J.B.Norton * ''

Smilax trinervula ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flowering ...

'' Miq. * ''

Smilax tsinchengshanensis ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flowering ...

'' F.T.Wang * '' Smilax tuberculata'' C.Presl * ''

Smilax turbans ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flow ...

'' F.T.Wang & Tang * ''

Smilax utilis ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flowering ...

'' C.H.Wright * ''

Smilax vaginata ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flowering ...

'' Decne. * '' Smilax vanchingshanensis'' (F.T.Wang & Tang) F.T.Wang & Tang * '' Smilax velutina'' Killip & C.V.Morton * ''

Smilax verrucosa ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flowering ...

'' Griseb. * '' Smilax verticalis'' Gagnep. * ''

Smilax vitiensis ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flow ...

'' (Seem.) A.DC. * ''

Smilax wallichii ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flow ...

'' Kunth * '' Smilax walteri'' Pursh. * ''

Smilax wightii ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flowering ...

'' A.DC. * '' Smilax williamsii'' Merr. * ''

Smilax yunnanensis ''Smilax'' is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. In China for example about 80 are found (39 of which are endemic), while there are 20 in North America north of Mexico. They are climbing flowering ...

'' S.C.Chen * ''

Smilax zeylanica ''Smilax zeylanica'' is a plant species in the genus ''Smilax''. Its leaves and roots are used for medicinal purposes. The plant is widespread in India, and native in other parts of the Indian Subcontinent as well as in Myanmar, Malaysia, Java an ...

'' L.

Distribution and habitat

Pantropical, extending into adjacent temperate zones to north and south. 29 species are recognized in Central America and the Caribbean.

Ecology

The berry is rubbery in texture and has a large, spherical seed in the center. The fruit stays intact through winter, when

bird Birds are a group of warm-blooded vertebrates constituting the class Aves (), characterised by feathers, toothless beaked jaws, the laying of hard-shelled eggs, a high metabolic rate, a four-chambered heart, and a strong yet lightweig ...

s and other animals eat them to survive. The seeds are passed unharmed in the animal's droppings. Since many ''Smilax'' colonies are single clones that have spread by rhizomes, both sexes may not be present at a site, in which case no fruit is formed. ''Smilax'' is a very damage-tolerant plant capable of growing back from its rhizomes after being cut down or burned down by

fire Fire is the rapid oxidation of a material (the fuel) in the exothermic chemical process of combustion, releasing heat, light, and various reaction Product (chemistry), products. At a certain point in the combustion reaction, called the ignition ...

. This, coupled with the fact that birds and other small animals spread the seeds over large areas, makes the plants very hard to get rid of. It grows best in moist woodlands with a

soil pH Soil pH is a measure of the acidity or basicity (alkalinity) of a soil. Soil pH is a key characteristic that can be used to make informative analysis both qualitative and quantitatively regarding soil characteristics. pH is defined as the n ...

between 5 and 6. The seeds have the greatest chance of germinating after being exposed to a freeze. Ruritateha 07i1804

Besides their berries providing an important food for birds and other animals during the winter, greenbrier plants also provide shelter for many other animals. The thorny thickets can effectively protect small animals from larger

predator Predation is a biological interaction where one organism, the predator, kills and eats another organism, its prey. It is one of a family of common feeding behaviours that includes parasitism and micropredation (which usually do not kill ...

s who cannot enter the prickly tangle.

Deer Deer or true deer are hoofed ruminant mammals forming the family Cervidae. The two main groups of deer are the Cervinae, including the muntjac, the elk (wapiti), the red deer, and the fallow deer; and the Capreolinae, including the ...

and other

herbivorous A herbivore is an animal anatomically and physiologically adapted to eating plant material, for example foliage or marine algae, for the main component of its diet. As a result of their plant diet, herbivorous animals typically have mouthpart ...

mammals will eat the foliage, as will some

invertebrate Invertebrates are a paraphyletic group of animals that neither possess nor develop a vertebral column (commonly known as a ''backbone'' or ''spine''), derived from the notochord. This is a grouping including all animals apart from the chordate ...

s such as Lepidoptera (

butterflies Butterflies are insects in the macrolepidopteran clade Rhopalocera from the order Lepidoptera, which also includes moths. Adult butterflies have large, often brightly coloured wings, and conspicuous, fluttering flight. The group comprises t ...

and

moth Moths are a paraphyletic group of insects that includes all members of the order Lepidoptera that are not butterflies, with moths making up the vast majority of the order. There are thought to be approximately 160,000 species of moth, many of ...

s), which also often drink nectar from the flowers. Beetles too are known to consume leaves. Among the Lepidoptera utilizing ''Smilax'' are

Hesperiidae Skippers are a family of the Lepidoptera (moths and butterflies) named the Hesperiidae. Being diurnal, they are generally called butterflies. They were previously placed in a separate superfamily, Hesperioidea; however, the most recent taxonomy ...

like the water snow flat (''Tagiades litigiosa''),

Pieridae The Pieridae are a large family of butterflies with about 76 genera containing about 1,100 species, mostly from tropical Africa and tropical Asia with some varieties in the more northern regions of North America and Eurasia.DeVries P. J. in Levi ...

like the small grass yellow (''Eurema smilax''), or moths like the peculiar and sometimes

flightless Flightless birds are birds that through evolution lost the ability to fly. There are over 60 extant species, including the well known ratites ( ostriches, emu, cassowaries, rheas, and kiwi) and penguins. The smallest flightless bird is ...

genus '' Thyrocopa''. But particularly fond of greenbriers are certain

Nymphalidae The Nymphalidae are the largest family of butterflies, with more than 6,000 species distributed throughout most of the world. Belonging to the superfamily Papilionoidea, they are usually medium-sized to large butterflies. Most species have a re ...

caterpillars, for example those of: * '' Faunis'' – faun butterflies * ''Kaniska canace'' –

blue admiral ''Kaniska canace'', the blue admiral, is a nymphalid butterfly, the only species of the genus ''Kaniska''. It is found in south and southeast Asia. Subspecies Subspecies are: * ''K. c. canace'' (Linnaeus, 1763) ( Sikkim, Myanmar, southern Chin ...

(on China smilax, '' S. china'') * ''Phalanta phalantha'' –

common leopard ''Phalanta phalantha'', the common leopard or spotted rustic, is a sun-loving butterfly of the nymphalid or brush-footed butterfly family. Description The common leopard is a medium-sized butterfly with a wingspan of 50–55 mm with a tawn ...

(on '' S. tetragona'')

Uses

Smilax aristolochiifolia - Köhler–s Medizinal-Pflanzen-130

An extract from the roots of some species – most significantly Jamaican sarsaparilla (''S. ornata'') – is used to make the sarsaparilla drink and other

root beer Root beer is a sweet North American soft drink traditionally made using the root bark of the sassafras tree '' Sassafras albidum'' or the vine of ''Smilax ornata'' (known as sarsaparilla, also used to make a soft drink, sarsaparilla) as the ...

s, as well as herbal drinks like the popular Baba Roots from

. Two species, ''S. domingensis'' and ''S. havanensis'', are used in a traditional soda-like Cuban beverage called pru. The roots may also be used in soups or stews. The young shoots can be eaten raw or cooked and are said to taste like

asparagus Asparagus, or garden asparagus, folk name sparrow grass, scientific name ''Asparagus officinalis'', is a perennial flowering plant species in the genus '' Asparagus''. Its young shoots are used as a spring vegetable. It was once classified ...

, and the berries can be eaten both raw and cooked. Stuffed smilax pancake, or '' fúlíng jiābǐng'' (), is a traditional snack from the

Beijing } Beijing ( ; ; ), alternatively romanized as Peking ( ), is the capital of the People's Republic of China. It is the center of power and development of the country. Beijing is the world's most populous national capital city, with over 21 ...

region. '' S. glabra'' is used in

Chinese herbology Chinese herbology () is the theory of traditional Chinese herbal therapy, which accounts for the majority of treatments in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). A ''Nature (journal), Nature'' editorial described TCM as "fraught with pseudoscience ...

. It is also a key ingredient in the Chinese medical dessert ''

guīlínggāo ''Guilinggao'' (), also known as tortoise jelly (though not technically correct) or turtle powder, is a jelly-like Chinese medicine, also sold as a dessert. It was traditionally made from the ''gao'', or paste of the plastron (bottom shell) f ...

'', which makes use of its property to set certain kinds of jelly. The powdered roots of Jamaican sarsaparilla are known as ''Rad. Sarzae. Jam.'' in

pharmacy Pharmacy is the science and practice of discovering, producing, preparing, dispensing, reviewing and monitoring medications, aiming to ensure the safe, effective, and affordable use of medication, medicines. It is a miscellaneous science as it ...

and are used as a traditional medicine for

gout Gout ( ) is a form of inflammatory arthritis characterized by recurrent attacks of a red, tender, hot and swollen joint, caused by deposition of monosodium urate monohydrate crystals. Pain typically comes on rapidly, reaching maximal intens ...

Latin America Latin America or * french: Amérique Latine, link=no * ht, Amerik Latin, link=no * pt, América Latina, link=no, name=a, sometimes referred to as LatAm is a large cultural region in the Americas where Romance languages — languages derived ...

n countries. ''

Köhler's Medicinal Plants ''Köhler's Medicinal Plants'' (or, ''Köhler's Medizinal-Pflanzen'') is a German herbal written principally by Hermann Adolph Köhler (1834 - 1879, physician and chemist), and edited after his death by Gustav Pabst. The work was first published ...

'' of 1887 discusses the American sarsaparilla ('' S. aristolochiifolia''), but as early as about 1569, in his treatise devoted to syphilis, the

Persia Iran, officially the Islamic Republic of Iran, and also called Persia, is a country located in Western Asia. It is bordered by Iraq and Turkey to the west, by Azerbaijan and Armenia to the northwest, by the Caspian Sea and Turkme ...

n scholar

Imad al-Din Mahmud ibn Mas‘ud Shirazi Imad (also transliterated as Emad, Imed and Aimad ar, عماد) is an Arabic masculine given name and surname and means "support" or "pillar". Given name * Imād ad-Dīn Muhammad bin Qasim, Umayyad Caliphate general * Imad Abbas, Palestinian m ...

gave a detailed evaluation of the medical properties of chinaroot.

Diosgenin Diosgenin, a phytosteroid sapogenin, is the product of hydrolysis by acids, strong bases, or enzymes of saponins, extracted from the tubers of ''Dioscorea'' wild yam species, such as the Kokoro. The sugar-free (aglycone) product of such hydro ...

, a

steroid A steroid is a biologically active organic compound with four rings arranged in a specific molecular configuration. Steroids have two principal biological functions: as important components of cell membranes that alter membrane fluidity; and ...

sapogenin Sapogenins are the aglycones, or non-saccharide, portions of the family of natural products known as saponins. Sapogenins contain steroid or other triterpene frameworks as their key organic feature. For example, steroidal sapogenins such as tigge ...

, is reported from '' S. menispermoidea''. Other active compounds reported from various greenbrier species are parillin (also sarsaparillin or smilacin), sarsapic acid, sarsapogenin and sarsaponin. Due to the nectar-rich flowers, species like '' S. medica'' and '' S. officinalis'' are also useful

honey plant Honeybees usually collect nectar, pollen, or both from the following species of plants, which are called honey plants, for making honey. Acanthaceae (Acanthus family) *'' Avicennia nitida'' Jacq. or Avicennia ...

s. The common floral decoration ''smilax'' is ''

Asparagus asparagoides ''Asparagus asparagoides'', commonly known as bridal creeper, bridal-veil creeper, ''gnarboola'', smilax or smilax asparagus, is a herbaceous climbing plant of the family Asparagaceae native to eastern and southern Africa. Sometimes grown as an ...

''.smilax
at yourdictionary.com

Gallery

File:Smilax bona-nox.jpg, Smilax bona-nox File:Smilax aspera 1652.JPG, Smilax aspera File:Smilax aspera (leaf).jpg, Smilax aspera Image:Sarutoriibara 08b2113.jpg, China smilax ('' S. china''), unripe fruit Image:Smilax herbacea.png, The "

", '' S. herbacea'' Image:Starr 020808-0053 Smilax melastomifolia.jpg, '' S. melastomifolia'', called ''hoi kuahiwi'' on

Notes

References

Bibliography

* * * Mifsud, Stephen (2002): Wild Plants of Malta & Gozo �
Mediterranean Smilax
Retrieved October 2, 2008.

External links

* * {{Taxonbar, from=Q165315 Smilacaceae Liliales genera Root vegetables Stem vegetables Dioecious plants ne:कुकुरडाइनो