Honduran sarsaparilla
Smilax officinalis

Family: Smilacaceae

What it is like

A vine. It can be 50 m long and climbs trees

Where it is found

A tropical plant.

Countries/locations it is found in

Central America, Colombia, Ecuador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, South America

How it is used for food

The dried roots are used to flavour root beer, soft drinks, ice cream, candy and baked goods. They are mixed with other spices because of their bitter taste.

The dried roots are a principal source of sarsaparilla.

Edible parts

Roots - flavouring, medicine

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Jamaican sarsaparilla, Red Sarsaparilla

Synonyms

Smilax chiriquensis C. V. Mortin; Smilax vanilliodora F. W. Apt; and others