Cuculmeca
Smilax spinosa
Family: Smilacaceae
What it is like
A creeper. The stems have spines. The leaves are simple and alternate. The leaf blades are 4-10 cm long by 2-6 cm wide. They are narrowly oval. They have 3-5 veins along them. The flowers are in the axils of leaves. The fruit are 1.5 cm across. They are black when ripe. They have a few seeds.
Where it is found
It is a tropical plant. In Central America it grows from sea level to 1,600 m altitude.
Countries/locations it is found in
Amazon, Central America, Colombia, Costa Rica, Mexico, North America, Panama, South America
How it is used for food
The shoots of the stem near the ground are eaten.
Edible parts
Shoots, fruit
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Raiz de chino, Zarza, Zarzaparrilla