Status:
valid
Authors:
Wall.
Source:
wcs
Year:
1832
Citation Micro:
Numer. List [Wallich] n. 5117. 1831-32
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000742604
Common Names
- Elegans Brier
- Elegans Greenbrier
- Elegans Smilax
Synonyms
- Smilax parvifolia Wall. ex Hook.f. [unknown]
Description
Smilax elegans (also called Carrion Flower, Catbrier, and Saw Greenbrier, among many other common names) is a woody, perennial, evergreen vine that is native to Central and South America. It has thick, leathery, dark green leaves and white flowers that bloom in the spring. It can be found in tropical and subtropical forests, as well as in disturbed areas.
Uses & Benefits
Smilax elegans is used as an ornamental plant for its attractive foliage and fragrant flowers. It is also used in traditional medicine for treating various ailments such as fever, inflammation, and skin diseases.
Cultivars, Varieties & Sub-species
Smilax elegans sub. subrecta Noltie
Smilax elegans sub. osmastonii (F.T.Wang & Tang) Noltie
Smilax elegans sub. elegans
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flower of Smilax elegans is a small, greenish-white flower with six petals. The seed is a small, black, round seed. The seedlings are small, green, and have a single stem.
Cultivation and Propagation
Smilax elegans is a perennial vine that can be propagated by seed or by cuttings. It prefers moist, well-drained soils and full sun to partial shade. It can be grown in containers or in the ground.
Where to Find Smilax elegans
Smilax elegans can be found in tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, including parts of Mexico, Central America, and South America.
Smilax elegans FAQ
What is the scientific name of Smilax elegans?
Smilax elegans
What is the common name of Smilax elegans?
Climbing Sarsaparilla
What is the natural habitat of Smilax elegans?
Tropical and subtropical forests
Species in the Smilax genus
Smilax emeiensis,
Smilax malipoensis,
Smilax yunnanensis,
Smilax saulensis,
Smilax retroflexa,
Smilax munita,
Smilax guiyangensis,
Smilax aculeatissima,
Smilax austrozhejiangensis,
Smilax lushuiensis,
Smilax bapouensis,
Smilax pilcomayensis,
Smilax nova-guineensis,
Smilax china,
Smilax chingii,
Smilax cinnamomea,
Smilax cissoides,
Smilax cocculoides,
Smilax cognata,
Smilax calophylla,
Smilax cambodiana,
Smilax campestris,
Smilax chapaensis,
Smilax canariensis,
Smilax canellifolia,
Smilax celebica,
Smilax darrisii,
Smilax davidiana,
Smilax densibarbata,
Smilax cuspidata,
Smilax discotis,
Smilax domingensis,
Smilax corbularia,
Smilax cordato-ovata,
Smilax cordifolia,
Smilax coriacea,
Smilax aristolochiifolia,
Smilax anguina,
Smilax annulata,
Smilax arisanensis,
Smilax ampla,
Smilax aspera,
Smilax aspericaulis,
Smilax assumptionis,
Smilax astrosperma,
Smilax californica,
Smilax aberrans,
Smilax anceps,
Smilax amblyobasis,
Smilax blumei,
Species in the Smilacaceae family
Smilax emeiensis,
Smilax malipoensis,
Smilax yunnanensis,
Smilax saulensis,
Smilax retroflexa,
Smilax munita,
Smilax guiyangensis,
Smilax aculeatissima,
Smilax austrozhejiangensis,
Smilax lushuiensis,
Smilax bapouensis,
Smilax pilcomayensis,
Smilax nova-guineensis,
Smilax china,
Smilax chingii,
Smilax cinnamomea,
Smilax cissoides,
Smilax cocculoides,
Smilax cognata,
Smilax calophylla,
Smilax cambodiana,
Smilax campestris,
Smilax chapaensis,
Smilax canariensis,
Smilax canellifolia,
Smilax celebica,
Smilax darrisii,
Smilax davidiana,
Smilax densibarbata,
Smilax cuspidata,
Smilax discotis,
Smilax domingensis,
Smilax corbularia,
Smilax cordato-ovata,
Smilax cordifolia,
Smilax coriacea,
Smilax aristolochiifolia,
Smilax anguina,
Smilax annulata,
Smilax arisanensis,
Smilax ampla,
Smilax aspera,
Smilax aspericaulis,
Smilax assumptionis,
Smilax astrosperma,
Smilax californica,
Smilax aberrans,
Smilax anceps,
Smilax amblyobasis,
Smilax blumei,