Smilax is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. [1] They are climbing flowering plants , many of which are woody and/or thorny, in the monocotyledon family Smilacaceae , native throughout the …

Smilax bona-nox (called the saw greenbrier) is one of the three very common greenbriers in SC. Its mature vines are armored with large, stiff thorns, and the stems are scurfy (i.e., with a scaly crust on the stem surface).

Smilax Species: rotundifolia Family: Smilacaceae Uses (Ethnobotany): Stem prickles have been rubbed on the skin as a counter-irritant to relieve pain, muscle cramps, and twitching. Powdered leaves have been used as dressing on burns, wilted leaves as a poultice on boils.

Feb 25, 2021 · Smilax spp. Smilax vines go by the common names greenbrier or catbrier due to the thorns covering their stems. There are 300 to 350 smilax species worldwide. Approximately twenty-four species are native to North America, with fifteen species growing in South Carolina.

Smilax species are important because they can provide shelter and food for wildlife and have provided humans with medicine, food, and dyes. Twelve Smilax species are found in Florida. This document covers the nine more common species that one may encounter in the state.

Smilax species often have hooked thorns with stiff glossy light green stems, and darker green but equally glossy heart-shaped leaves. It produces distinct dark red, purple, or black clusters of berries in the spring.

Smilax, genus of plants in the family Smilacaceae, consisting of about 300 species of woody or herbaceous vines, variously known as catbriers and greenbriers, native to tropical and temperate parts of the world.

Jan 12, 2021 · American sarsaparilla (Smilax medica): Central American species that extends from Mexico to Brazil. Very used as a diuretic, purifying, vulnerary and for the treatment of venereal diseases. Mexican sarsaparilla (Smilax aristolochiaefolia): With properties similar to the rest of sarsaparillas.

Jul 1, 2020 · Smilax, greenbriar Smilax spp. Family: Smilacaceae Life cycle: Perennial Native status: Native to N. America Habitat: Edges of woodlands. General description: Woody vine with alternate, light green, heart-shaped or ovate leaves. Leaves have parallel venation. Some species have thorns and/or tendrils on stems.

Smilax flowers consist of small green clusters on separate male and female plants. They are inconspicuous on the thorny species. But the Carrion flowers form large spheres that grow into showy orbs of shiny blue-black, pea-sized seeds. Both types are pollinated mostly by flies.