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{{short description|Genus of flowering plants in the family Smilacaceae}}
{{for|another plant sometimes called smilax|Asparagus asparagoides{{!}}''Asparagus asparagoides''}} {{for|another plant sometimes called smilax|Asparagus asparagoides{{!}}''Asparagus asparagoides''}}
{{Automatic taxobox {{Automatic taxobox
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*''Pleiosmilax'' <small>Seem.</small> *''Pleiosmilax'' <small>Seem.</small>
*''Sarsaparilla'' <small>Kuntze</small> *''Sarsaparilla'' <small>Kuntze</small>
|type_species = '']''
|type_species_authority = L.
}} }}


'''''Smilax''''' is a genus of about 300–350 ], found in the ] and ]s worldwide.<ref name=e></ref> In ] for example about 80 are found (39 of which are ]),<ref>{{eFloras|2|130567|Smilax |family=Liliaceae<!-- sic --> |last1=Chen |first1=Xinqi<!-- surname first? --> |first2=Tetsuo |last2=Koyama}}</ref> while there are 20 in North America north of ].<ref>{{eFloras|1|130567|Smilax |family=Smilacaceae |first=Walter C. |last=Holmes}}</ref><ref>Raven & Zhengyi (2000), FNAEC (2002)</ref> They are climbing ]s, many of which are woody and/or thorny, in the ] ] ], native throughout the tropical and subtropical regions of the world. '''''Smilax''''' is a genus of about 300–350 ], found in the ] and ]s worldwide.<ref name=e></ref> They are climbing ]s, many of which are woody and/or thorny, in the ] ] ], 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 ]n '']'' as well as a catch-all term in particular for American species. Occasionally, the non-woody species such as the ] (''S. herbacea'') are separated as genus ''Nemexia''; they are commonly known by the rather ambiguous name ]. Common names include ''catbriers'', ''greenbriers'', ''prickly-ivys'' and ''smilaxes''. ''Sarsaparilla'' (also zarzaparrilla, sarsparilla) is a name used specifically for the ] '']'' as well as a catch-all term in particular for American species. Occasionally, the non-woody species such as the ] (''S. herbacea'') are separated as genus ''Nemexia''; they are commonly known by the rather ambiguous name ].


Greenbriers get their ] from the Greek myth of ] and the ] Smilax.<ref>Mifsud (2002)</ref> Though this myth has numerous forms, it always centers around the unfulfilled and tragic love of a ] man who is turned into ], and a woodland nymph who is transformed into a brambly vine. Greenbriers get their ] from the Greek myth of ] and the ] ].<ref>Mifsud (2002)</ref> Though this myth has numerous forms, it always centers around the unfulfilled and tragic love of a ] man who is turned into ], and a woodland nymph who is transformed into a brambly vine.


== Description == == 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&nbsp;m high, their hooked thorns allowing them to hang onto and scramble over branches. The genus includes both ] and ] species. The ] are heart shaped and vary from 4–30&nbsp;cm long in different species. 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&nbsp;m high, their hooked thorns allowing them to hang onto and scramble over branches. The genus includes both ] and ] species. The ] are heart shaped and vary from 4–30&nbsp;cm long in different species.


Greenbrier is ]. However, only about one in three colonies have plants of both sexes. Plants flower in May and June with white/green clustered ]s. If ] occurs, the plant will produce a bright red to blue-black spherical ] ] about 5–10&nbsp;mm in diameter that matures in the fall. Greenbrier is ]. However, only about one in three colonies have plants of both sexes. Plants flower in May and June with white–green clustered ]s. If ] occurs, the plant will produce a bright red to blue-black spherical ] ] about 5–10&nbsp;mm in diameter that matures in the fall (autumn).


== Taxonomy == == Taxonomy ==


The genus has traditionally been considered as divided into a number of ], but ] studies reveals that these morphologically defined subdivisions are not ]. Subdivision is best considered in terms of ] (A–D), corresponding to ], with the main divisions being Old World (clades C, D) and New World (clade B) with the exception of '']'', that appears to be ] to all other species (clade A) and has a tri-continental ].{{sfn|Qi et al|2013}}
⚫ The genus is divided into a number of sections. Section ''Smilax'' includes "]",{{efn|Being a ], members of the family Smilacacea can not lay down true ].{{Citation needed|date=March 2008}}}} prickly ]s of temperate North America, for example cat greenbrier ('']'') and common greenbrier ('']'').<ref name = fnaec2002>FNAEC (2002)</ref> ] includes unarmed ]s of temperate North America, for example "]s" like the smooth herbaceous greenbrier ('']'').<ref name = fnaec2002 />

⚫ Section ''Smilax'' includes "]",{{efn|Being a ], members of the family Smilacacea can not lay down true ].{{Citation needed|date=March 2008}}}} prickly ]s of temperate North America, for example cat greenbrier ('']'') and common greenbrier ('']'').<ref name = fnaec2002>FNAEC (2002)</ref> ] includes unarmed ]s of temperate North America, for example "]s" like the smooth herbaceous greenbrier ('']'').<ref name = fnaec2002 /> Section '']'' represents a previous separate genus that was found to be embedded within Smilax, and was reduced to a section within it.{{sfn|Qi et al|2013}}


=== {{anchor|List of species}}List of selected species === === {{anchor|List of species}}List of selected species ===
{{See also|List of Smilax species}}
{{hidden begin}}
{{Div col}} {{Div col}}
* '']'' <small>Gagnep.</small> * '']'' <small>Gagnep.</small>
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* '']'' <small>A.DC.</small> * '']'' <small>A.DC.</small>
* '']'' <small>F.T.Wang & Tang</small> * '']'' <small>F.T.Wang & Tang</small>
* '']'' <small>Walter</small> * '']'' <small>Walter</small>
* '']'' <small>]</small> &ndash; lawyer vine, barbwire vine, wait-a-while (]) * '']'' <small>]</small> &ndash; lawyer vine, barbwire vine, wait-a-while (])
* '']'' <small>H.Schaef. & P.Schönfelder</small> * '']'' <small>H.Schaef. & P.Schönfelder</small>
Line 92: Line 97:
* '']'' <small>F.T.Wang & Tang</small> * '']'' <small>F.T.Wang & Tang</small>
* '']'' <small>Warb.</small> * '']'' <small>Warb.</small>
* '']'' <small>Willd.</small> * '']'' <small>Willd.</small>
* '']'' <small>(Engelm. ex Kunth) S.Wats.</small> * '']'' <small>(Engelm. ex Kunth) S.Wats.</small>
* '']'' <small>Griseb.</small> * '']'' <small>Griseb.</small>
* '']'' <small>Wall.</small> * '']'' <small>Wall.</small>
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* '']'' <small>Walter</small> &ndash; cat greenbrier, glaucous greenbrier * '']'' <small>Walter</small> &ndash; cat greenbrier, glaucous greenbrier
* '']'' <small>Warb.</small> * '']'' <small>Warb.</small>
* '']'' <small>]</small> &ndash; sweet sarsaparilla, native sarsaparilla (]) * '']'' <small>]</small> &ndash; sweet sarsaparilla, native sarsaparilla (])
* '']'' <small>A.DC.</small> * '']'' <small>A.DC.</small>
* '']'' <small>Ferrufino & Greuter</small> * '']'' <small>Ferrufino & Greuter</small>
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* '']'' <small>A.DC.</small> * '']'' <small>A.DC.</small>
* '']'' <small>Hayata</small> * '']'' <small>Hayata</small>
* '']'' <small>(Small) J.B.Norton ex Pennell</small> * '']'' <small>(Small) J.B.Norton ex Pennell</small>
* '']'' <small>Benth.</small> * '']'' <small>Benth.</small>
* '']'' <small>Desv. ex Ham.</small> * '']'' <small>Desv. ex Ham.</small>
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* '']'' <small>A.DC.</small> * '']'' <small>A.DC.</small>
* '']'' <small>K.Krause</small> * '']'' <small>K.Krause</small>
* '']'' <small>Warb. ex K.Krause</small> * '']'' <small>Warb. ex K.Krause</small>
* '']'' <small>Hook.f.</small> * '']'' <small>Hook.f.</small>
* '']'' <small>Kunth</small> * '']'' <small>Kunth</small>
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* '']'' <small>T.Koyama</small> * '']'' <small>T.Koyama</small>
* '']'' <small>Humb. & Bonpl. ex Willd.</small> * '']'' <small>Humb. & Bonpl. ex Willd.</small>
* '']'' <small>A.DC.</small> * '']'' <small>A.DC.</small>
* '']'' <small>]</small> * '']'' <small>]</small>
* '']'' <small>Mill.</small> * '']'' <small>Mill.</small>
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* '']'' <small>L.</small> * '']'' <small>L.</small>
{{Div col end}} {{Div col end}}
{{hidden end}}


== Distribution and habitat == == Distribution and habitat ==


Pantropical, extending into adjacent temperate zones to north and south. 29 species are recognized in Central America and the Caribbean.{{sfn|Ferrufino-Acosta|2010}} The genus has a pantropical distribution, extending into adjacent temperate zones to north and south. 29 species are recognized in Central America and the Caribbean, while there are 20 species in North America north of ].<ref>{{eFloras|1|130567|Smilax|family=Smilacaceae|first=Walter C.|last=Holmes}}</ref><ref>Raven & Zhengyi (2000), FNAEC (2002)</ref> In ], there are 80 species (39 of which are ]).<ref>{{eFloras|2|130567|Smilax|family=Liliaceae<!-- sic -->|last1=Chen|first1=Xinqi<!-- surname first? -->|first2=Tetsuo|last2=Koyama}}</ref>


== Ecology == == Ecology ==
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The berry is rubbery in texture and has a large, spherical seed in the center. The fruit stays intact through winter, when ]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 ]s, both sexes may not be present at a site, in which case no fruit is formed. The berry is rubbery in texture and has a large, spherical seed in the center. The fruit stays intact through winter, when ]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 ]s, 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 ]. 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 ] between 5 and 6. The seeds have the greatest chance of germinating after being exposed to a freeze. ''Smilax'' is a very damage-tolerant plant capable of growing back from its rhizomes after being cut down or burned down by ]. 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.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://medium.com/me/stats/post/7935b07c51b0 |title=Sisyphus cut smilax |last=Lubar |first=Steven |date=2017 |website=Medium |access-date=September 29, 2023}}</ref> It grows best in moist woodlands with a ] between 5 and 6. The seeds have the greatest chance of germinating after being exposed to a freeze.


] (''Kaniska canace'') ] on China smilax ('']'')]] ] (''Kaniska canace'') ] on China smilax ('']'')]]
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 ]s who cannot enter the prickly tangle. ] and other ] ]s will eat the foliage, as will some ]s such as ] (] and ]s), which also often drink ] from the flowers. 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 ]s who cannot enter the prickly tangle. ] and other ] ]s will eat the foliage, as will some ]s such as ] (] and ]s), which also often drink ] from the flowers. Beetles too are known to consume leaves.<ref>Nishida, K., L. Ferrufino-Acosta, & C.S. Chaboo. 2020. A new host plant family for Cassidinae s.l.: Calyptocephala attenuata (Spaeth, 1919) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Cassidinae: Spilophorini) on Smilax (Smilacaceae) in Costa Rica. Pan-Pacific Entomologist 96(4): 263–267.</ref>


Among the Lepidoptera utilizing ''Smilax'' are ] like the ] (''Tagiades litigiosa''), ] like the ] (''Eurema smilax'')<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.life.illinois.edu/hanks/pdfs/Tooker%20et%20al%20AESA%2095.pdf|title=Nectar Sources of Day-Flying Lepidoptera of Central Illinois|author=JOHN F. TOOKER, PETER F. REAGEL|author2=LAWRENCE M. HANKS|last-author-amp=yes|date=2002|website=life.illinois.edu}}</ref><!-- possibly the name is unrelated to the plant -->, or moths like the peculiar and sometimes ] genus '']''. But particularly fond of greenbriers are certain ] caterpillars, for example those of: Among the Lepidoptera utilizing ''Smilax'' are ] like the ] (''Tagiades litigiosa''), ] like the ] (''Eurema smilax''),<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.life.illinois.edu/hanks/pdfs/Tooker%20et%20al%20AESA%2095.pdf|title=Nectar Sources of Day-Flying Lepidoptera of Central Illinois|author1=John F. Tooker |author2=Peter F. Reagel|author3=Lawrence M. Hanks|name-list-style=amp|date=2002|website=life.illinois.edu}}</ref><!-- possibly the name is unrelated to the plant --> or moths like the peculiar and sometimes ] genus '']''. But particularly fond of greenbriers are certain ] caterpillars, for example those of:
* '']'' &ndash; faun butterflies * '']'' &ndash; faun butterflies
* ''Kaniska canace'' &ndash; ] (on China smilax, '']'') * ''Kaniska canace'' &ndash; ] (on China smilax, '']'')
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] is found in '']'']] ] is found in '']'']]
]'') from '']'']] ]'') from '']'']]
An extract from the roots of some species &ndash; most significantly ] (''S. ornata'') &ndash; is used to make the sarsaparilla drink and other ]s, as well as herbal drinks like the popular ] from ]. Two species, ''S. domingensis'' and ''S. havanensis'', are used in a traditional soda-like Cuban beverage called pru.<ref>{{cite book | last = Katz | first = Sandor | title = The Art of Fermentation | publisher = Chelsea Green | pages = 162–163 | isbn = 978-1-60358-286-5}}</ref> 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 ], and the berries can be eaten both raw and cooked. Stuffed smilax pancake, or '']'' ({{zh|t=茯苓夾餅| s=茯苓夹饼}}), is a traditional snack from the ] region. '']'' is used in ]. It is also a key ingredient in the Chinese medical dessert '']'', which makes use of its property to set certain kinds of ]. An extract from the roots of some species &ndash; most significantly ] (''S. ornata'') &ndash; is used to make the sarsaparilla drink and other ]s, as well as herbal drinks like the popular ] from ]. Two species, ''S. domingensis'' and ''S. havanensis'', are used in a traditional soda-like Cuban beverage called pru.<ref>{{cite book | last = Katz | first = Sandor | title = The Art of Fermentation | year = 2012 | publisher = Chelsea Green | pages = 162–163 | isbn = 978-1-60358-286-5}}</ref> 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 ], and the berries can be eaten both raw and cooked. Stuffed smilax pancake, or '']'' ({{zh|t=茯苓夾餅| s=茯苓夹饼}}), is a traditional snack from the ] region. '']'' is used in ]. It is also a key ingredient in the Chinese medical dessert '']'', which makes use of its property to set certain kinds of ].

⚫ The powdered roots of Jamaican sarsaparilla are known as ''Rad. Sarzae. Jam.'' in ] and are used as a traditional medicine for ] in ]n countries. '']'' of 1887 discusses the American sarsaparilla ('']''), but as early as about 1569, in his treatise devoted to ], the ]n scholar ] gave a detailed evaluation of the medical properties of chinaroot.<ref>F. Speziale, 'Introduction', 9; H. Tadjbakhshi, 'Hôpitaux et médecins avicenniens en Iran à l'époque savafide', 27-28 in Fabrizio Speziale (ed.), Hospitals in Iran and India. Leiden and Boston: Brill, 2012</ref>


⚫ ], a ]al ], is reported from '']''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://pharmacologyonline.silae.it/files/newsletter/2011/vol1/073.mirulanini.pdf|title=Novel Effects of Diosgenin – A Plant Derived Steroid; A Review|author=S.Mirunalini|author2=Shahira|name-list-style=amp|date=2011|website=PhOL - PharmacologyOnLine}}</ref> Other active compounds reported from various greenbrier species are ] (also ] or ]), ], ] and ].{{citation needed|date=December 2014}}
⚫ The powdered roots of Jamaican sarsaparilla are known as ''Rad. Sarzae. Jam.'' in ] and are used as a traditional medicine for ] in ]n countries. '']'' of 1887 discusses the American sarsaparilla ('']''), but as early as about 1569, in his treatise devoted to ], the ]n scholar ] gave a detailed evaluation of the medical properties of chinaroot.<ref>F. Speziale, 'Introduction', 9; H. Tadjbakhshi, 'Hôpitaux et médecins avicenniens en Iran à l'époque savafide', 27-28 in Fabrizio Speziale (ed.), Hospitals in Iran and India. Leiden and Boston: Brill, 2012</ref>


⚫ Due to the nectar-rich flowers, species like '']'', ], ] (''S. medica'' is a synonym for all three of these species) and '']'' are also useful ]s.
⚫ ], a ]al ], is reported from '']''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://pharmacologyonline.silae.it/files/newsletter/2011/vol1/073.mirulanini.pdf|title=NOVEL EFFECTS OF DIOSGENIN – A PLANT DERIVED STEROID; A REVIEW|author=S.Mirunalini|author2=Shahira|last-author-amp=yes|date=2011|website=PhOL - PharmacologyOnLine}}</ref> Other active compounds reported from various greenbrier species are ] (also ] or ]), ], ] and ].{{citation needed|date=December 2014}}


⚫ The common floral decoration sometimes known as "smilax" is '']'',<ref>{{cite web | title = smilax | url = http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/smilax | work = Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary}}</ref><ref> at yourdictionary.com</ref> which looks similar to ''Smilax'' but is from a different family.
⚫ Due to the nectar-rich flowers, species like '']'' and '']'' are also useful ]s.


In 18th-century ], a type of beer called china-ale was made by infusing ] (''S. glabra'') and ] seeds in ale.<ref>{{cite book |title=The London and Country Brewer 3rd ed |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=63FZAAAAYAAJ |author=Ellis, William |year=1737 |page= (The third Part) |publisher=London: Printed for J. and J. Fox}}</ref>
⚫ The common floral decoration ''smilax'' is '']''.<ref>{{cite web | title = smilax | url = http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/smilax | work = Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary }}</ref><ref> at yourdictionary.com</ref>


== Gallery == == Gallery ==
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File:Smilax aspera 1652.JPG|Smilax aspera File:Smilax aspera 1652.JPG|Smilax aspera
File:Smilax aspera (leaf).jpg|Smilax aspera File:Smilax aspera (leaf).jpg|Smilax aspera
Image:Sarutoriibara 08b2113.jpg|China smilax ('']''), unripe fruit Image:Smilax china 08b2113.jpg|China smilax ('']''), unripe fruit
Image:Smilax herbacea.png|The "]", '']'' Image:Smilax herbacea.png|The "]", '']''
Image:Starr 020808-0053 Smilax melastomifolia.jpg|'']'', called ''hoi kuahiwi'' on ] Image:Smilax melastomifolia 020808-0053.jpg|'']'', called ''hoi kuahiwi'' on ]
</gallery> </gallery>


Line 328: Line 334:
== Bibliography == == Bibliography ==
{{refbegin}} {{refbegin}}
* {{cite journal |last1=Ferrufino-Acosta |first1=Lilian |title=Taxonomic revision of the genus Smilax (Smilacaceae) in Central America and the Caribbean Islands |journal=] |date=2010 |volume=40 |issue=2 |pages=227–280 |jstor=27896656 |issn=0511-9618|ref=harv}} * {{cite journal |last1=Ferrufino-Acosta |first1=Lilian |title=Taxonomic revision of the genus Smilax (Smilacaceae) in Central America and the Caribbean Islands |journal=] |date=2010 |volume=40 |issue=2 |pages=227–280 |doi=10.3372/wi.40.40208 |jstor=27896656 |s2cid=85284808 |issn=0511-9618|doi-access=free }}
* {{cite journal |last1=Qi |first1=Zhechen |last2=Cameron |first2=Kenneth M. |last3=Li |first3=Pan |last4=Zhao |first4=Yunpeng |last5=Chen |first5=Shichao |last6=Chen |first6=Guangcun |last7=Fu |first7=Chengxin |title=Phylogenetics, character evolution, and distribution patterns of the greenbriers, Smilacaceae (Liliales), a near-cosmopolitan family of monocots |url=https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Pan_Li12/publication/263238692|journal=] |date=December 2013 |volume=173 |issue=4 |pages=535–548 |doi=10.1111/boj.12096|ref={{harvid|Qi et al|2013}}}} * {{cite journal |last1=Qi |first1=Zhechen |last2=Cameron |first2=Kenneth M. |last3=Li |first3=Pan |last4=Zhao |first4=Yunpeng |last5=Chen |first5=Shichao |last6=Chen |first6=Guangcun |last7=Fu |first7=Chengxin |title=Phylogenetics, character evolution, and distribution patterns of the greenbriers, Smilacaceae (Liliales), a near-cosmopolitan family of monocots |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/263238692|journal=] |date=December 2013 |volume=173 |issue=4 |pages=535–548 |doi=10.1111/boj.12096|doi-access=free|ref={{harvid|Qi et al|2013}}}}
* Mifsud, Stephen (2002): Wild Plants of Malta & Gozo – . Retrieved October 2, 2008. * Mifsud, Stephen (2002): Wild Plants of Malta & Gozo – . Retrieved October 2, 2008.
{{refend}} {{refend}}
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] ]
] ]
]


] ]

Latest revision as of 09:10, 11 January 2025

Genus of flowering plants in the family Smilacaceae For another plant sometimes called smilax, see Asparagus asparagoides.

Smilax
Mediterranean smilax (S. aspera) in fruit
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Order: Liliales
Family: Smilacaceae
Genus: Smilax
L.
Type species
Smilax aspera
L.
Species

About 300–350 (see list)

Synonyms
  • Nemexia Raf.
  • Parillax Raf.
  • Aniketon Raf.
  • Dilax Raf.
  • Coprosmanthus Kunth
  • Pleiosmilax Seem.
  • Sarsaparilla Kuntze

Smilax is a genus of about 300–350 species, found in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. They are climbing flowering plants, many of which are woody and/or thorny, in the monocotyledon family Smilacaceae, 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 Neotropical 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 and the nymph Smilax. 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 and evergreen species. The leaves are heart shaped and vary from 4–30 cm long in different species.

Greenbrier is dioecious. However, only about one in three colonies have plants of both sexes. Plants flower in May and June with white–green clustered flowers. If pollination occurs, the plant will produce a bright red to blue-black spherical berry fruit about 5–10 mm in diameter that matures in the fall (autumn).

Taxonomy

The genus has traditionally been considered as divided into a number of sections, but molecular phylogenetic studies reveals that these morphologically defined subdivisions are not monophyletic. Subdivision is best considered in terms of clades (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 to all other species (clade A) and has a tri-continental disjunction.

Section Smilax includes "woody", prickly vines of temperate North America, for example cat greenbrier (S. glauca) and common greenbrier (S. rotundifolia). Section Nemexia includes unarmed herbaceous plants of temperate North America, for example "carrion flowers" like the smooth herbaceous greenbrier (S. herbacea). Section Heterosmilax 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

See also: List of Smilax species

Distribution and habitat

The genus has a pantropical distribution, extending into adjacent temperate zones to north and south. 29 species are recognized in Central America and the Caribbean, while there are 20 species in North America north of Mexico. In China, there are 80 species (39 of which are endemic).

Ecology

The berry is rubbery in texture and has a large, spherical seed in the center. The fruit stays intact through winter, when birds 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. 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 between 5 and 6. The seeds have the greatest chance of germinating after being exposed to a freeze.

Blue admiral (Kaniska canace) caterpillar on China smilax (S. china)

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 predators who cannot enter the prickly tangle. Deer and other herbivorous mammals will eat the foliage, as will some invertebrates such as Lepidoptera (butterflies and moths), which also often drink nectar from the flowers. Beetles too are known to consume leaves.

Among the Lepidoptera utilizing Smilax are Hesperiidae like the water snow flat (Tagiades litigiosa), Pieridae like the small grass yellow (Eurema smilax), or moths like the peculiar and sometimes flightless genus Thyrocopa. But particularly fond of greenbriers are certain Nymphalidae caterpillars, for example those of:

Uses

Diosgenin is found in S. menispermoidea
American sarsaparilla (S. aristolochiifolia) from Köhler's Medicinal Plants

An extract from the roots of some species – most significantly Jamaican sarsaparilla (S. ornata) – is used to make the sarsaparilla drink and other root beers, as well as herbal drinks like the popular Baba Roots from Jamaica. 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, and the berries can be eaten both raw and cooked. Stuffed smilax pancake, or fúlíng jiābǐng (simplified Chinese: 茯苓夹饼; traditional Chinese: 茯苓夾餅), is a traditional snack from the Beijing region. S. glabra is used in Chinese herbology. It is also a key ingredient in the Chinese medical dessert guīlínggāo, 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 and are used as a traditional medicine for gout in Latin American countries. Köhler's Medicinal Plants of 1887 discusses the American sarsaparilla (S. aristolochiifolia), but as early as about 1569, in his treatise devoted to syphilis, the Persian scholar Imad al-Din Mahmud ibn Mas‘ud Shirazi gave a detailed evaluation of the medical properties of chinaroot.

Diosgenin, a steroidal sapogenin, 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. aristolochiifolia, S. bona-nox, S. tamnoides (S. medica is a synonym for all three of these species) and S. officinalis are also useful honey plants.

The common floral decoration sometimes known as "smilax" is Asparagus asparagoides, which looks similar to Smilax but is from a different family.

In 18th-century England, a type of beer called china-ale was made by infusing china-root (S. glabra) and coriander seeds in ale.

Gallery

Notes

  1. Being a monocot, members of the family Smilacacea can not lay down true wood.

References

  1. ^ Kew World Checklist of Selected Plant Families
  2. Mifsud (2002)
  3. ^ Qi et al 2013.
  4. ^ FNAEC (2002)
  5. Holmes, Walter C. (2002). "Smilax". In Flora of North America Editorial Committee (ed.). Flora of North America North of Mexico (FNA). Vol. 26. New York and Oxford: Oxford University Press – via eFloras.org, Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, MO & Harvard University Herbaria, Cambridge, MA.
  6. Raven & Zhengyi (2000), FNAEC (2002)
  7. Chen, Xinqi; Koyama, Tetsuo. "Smilax". Flora of China. Vol. 24 – via eFloras.org, Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, MO & Harvard University Herbaria, Cambridge, MA.
  8. Lubar, Steven (2017). "Sisyphus cut smilax". Medium. Retrieved September 29, 2023.
  9. Nishida, K., L. Ferrufino-Acosta, & C.S. Chaboo. 2020. A new host plant family for Cassidinae s.l.: Calyptocephala attenuata (Spaeth, 1919) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Cassidinae: Spilophorini) on Smilax (Smilacaceae) in Costa Rica. Pan-Pacific Entomologist 96(4): 263–267.
  10. John F. Tooker; Peter F. Reagel & Lawrence M. Hanks (2002). "Nectar Sources of Day-Flying Lepidoptera of Central Illinois" (PDF). life.illinois.edu.
  11. Katz, Sandor (2012). The Art of Fermentation. Chelsea Green. pp. 162–163. ISBN 978-1-60358-286-5.
  12. F. Speziale, 'Introduction', 9; H. Tadjbakhshi, 'Hôpitaux et médecins avicenniens en Iran à l'époque savafide', 27-28 in Fabrizio Speziale (ed.), Hospitals in Iran and India. Leiden and Boston: Brill, 2012
  13. S.Mirunalini & Shahira (2011). "Novel Effects of Diosgenin – A Plant Derived Steroid; A Review" (PDF). PhOL - PharmacologyOnLine.
  14. "smilax". Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary.
  15. smilax at yourdictionary.com
  16. Ellis, William (1737). The London and Country Brewer 3rd ed. London: Printed for J. and J. Fox. p. 30 (The third Part).

Bibliography

External links

Taxon identifiers
Smilax
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