Kingdom:
Phylum:
Angiosperms
Order:
Liliales
Genus:
Species:
excelsa
ID:
743274

Status:
valid

Authors:
L.

Source:
wcs

Year:
1753

Citation Micro:
Sp. Pl. : 1029 (1753)

WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000742607

Common Names

  • Excelsa Brier
  • Excelsa Greenbrier
  • Excelsa Smilax

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Synonyms

  • Smilax panduriformis Aliev [unknown]
  • Smilax laevis Gueldenst. ex Ledeb. [unknown]

Description

Smilax excelsa (also called Bristly Greenbrier, Saw Greenbrier, and Catbrier, among many other common names) is a woody, perennial, evergreen vine that is native to the southeastern United States. It has thick, leathery, dark green leaves and small, white flowers that bloom in the spring. It can be found in moist forests, as well as in disturbed areas.

Uses & Benefits

Smilax excelsa is used in traditional Chinese medicine for its anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor properties. It is also used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a hedge plant.

Flower, Seeds and Seedlings

The flower of Smilax excelsa 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.

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Cultivation and Propagation

Smilax excelsa 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 excelsa

Smilax excelsa can be found in tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, including parts of Mexico, Central America, and South America.

Smilax excelsa FAQ

What is the scientific name of Smilax excelsa?

Smilax excelsa

What is the common name of Smilax excelsa?

Giant Sarsaparilla

What is the natural habitat of Smilax excelsa?

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,

References