Smilax aspera

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Smilax aspera
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Monocots
Order: Liliales
Family: Smilacaceae
Genus: Smilax
Species: S. aspera
Binomial name
Smilax aspera
L.

Smilax aspera, common name rough bindweed or sarsaparille, is a species of flowering vine in the greenbriar family, Smilacaceae.

Description

Smilax aspera is a perennial, evergreen shrub with a flexible and delicate stem, with sharp thorns. The climbing stem is 1–4 metres (3 ft 3 in–13 ft 1 in) long.[1] The leaves are 8–10 centimetres (3.1–3.9 in) long,[1] petiolated, alternate, tough and leathery, heart-shaped, with toothed and spiny margins. Also the midrib of the underside of the leaves are provided with spines. The flowers, very fragrant, are small, yellowish or greenish, gathered in axillary racemes. The flowering period in Mediterranean regions extends from September to November. The fruits are globose berries, gathered in clusters, which ripen in Autumn. They are initially red, later turn black. They have a diameter of 8–10 millimetres (0.31–0.39 in)[1] and contain one to three tiny and round seeds. Insipid and unpalatable to humans, they are a source of nourishment for many species of birds.

Distribution

It is widespread in Mexico, Central Africa (Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Ethiopia), Mediterranean Europe (Albania, Former Yugoslavia, Greece, Italy, France, Portugal, Spain), temperate Asia (Cyprus, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Turkey) and tropical Asia (India, Bhutan, Nepal).[2]

Habitat

It grows in the woods and scrubs, at an altitude of 0–1,200 metres (0–3,937 ft) above sea level.[1]

Gallery

  • Thickets of Smilax aspera

  • Smilax aspera in bloom

  • Berries of Smilax aspera

  • Leaves of Smilax aspera

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Pignatti S. - Flora d'Italia – Edagricole – 1982. Vol. III, pag. 401
  2. ↑ "Smilax aspera L.". Germplasm Resources Information Network. United States Department of Agriculture. 1996-04-22. Retrieved 2009-04-12. 
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External links


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