Smilax kraussiana
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Scientific Classification ·
Kingdom: Plantae ·
Clade: Tracheophytes ·
Clade: Angiosperms ·
Clade: Monocots ·
Order: Liliales ·
Family: Smilacaceae ·
Genus: Smilax ·
Species: S. anceps ·
Binomial Name: Smilax anceps Willd. Synonyms ·
Smilax herbacea Thunb. ·
Smilax semiamplexicaulis Bojer ·
Smilax kraussiana Meisn. ·
Smilax morsaniana Kunth ·
Smilax mossambicensis Garcke ·
Smilax goudotiana DC. ·
Smilax telfaireana DC. ·
Smilax cynodon Cordem. Common Names: West African sarsaparilia Local Names: Ekanamagbo,
Ewo,Kuranga woofii Species ID: NMP-162;wfo-0000742564;NCBI_Taxonomy ID: 989897 Description Smilax anceps, also known as Two-edged Greenbrier or Two-edged
Sarsaparilla, is a vigorous scrambling vine or shrub. It can grow up to 5
meters long and has tough, fibrous stems armed with numerous hooked prickles
and pairs of coiled tendrils at the leaf petiole bases. The leaves are entire,
alternate, and range from ovate to elliptic to somewhat circular, measuring
4-14 cm long with a leathery texture. The inflorescences are many-flowered,
axillary, and globose umbels, with unisexual flowers that have greenish-white,
yellowish, or brownish perianth segments. The fruit is a globose berry, 8-10 mm
in diameter, which turns from red to purplish to black when ripe and has a
slightly sweet and acidulous taste. Distribution and Habitat Smilax anceps is widely distributed in Tropical Africa,
Southern Africa, Réunion, Mauritius, Comoros, and Madagascar. It typically
grows in moist woodlands and thickets, often found in the transitional ecotone
between forest and grassland, and can grow at altitudes up to 2400 meters. Medicinal Properties Smilax anceps has been traditionally used for its medicinal
properties, particularly for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits.
The plant is used to make herbal tea, which is believed to have various health
benefits. Known Toxicity There is no well-documented toxicity associated with Smilax
anceps. However, care should be taken due to its hooked prickles, which can
cause physical injury. Additional Information Smilax anceps can be cultivated as an ornamental plant in
gardens, and it prefers moist, well-drained soils and partial shade. It can be
propagated through seeds or cuttings and is considered a fast-growing plant. References Wikipedia. (2024). Smilax anceps. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smilax_anceps External
links
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