Indian smilax
Smilax zeylanica

Family: Smilacaceae

What it is like

A robust woody climber. It is up to 6 m long. It varies a lot. The branches are angular. They can zigzag. There can be some prickles. The leaves are alternate and oblong to oval. They are 5-24 cm long by 1-13 cm wide. The fruit is a round berry. It is 6-9 mm across. It is a dull yellow. There are 2-3 seeds per berry.

There are about 300 Smilax species. It is used in medicine.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in jungle or secondary forest. It grows up to 1000 m altitude. In Yunnan.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, China, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Myanmar, Nepal, New Guinea, Northeastern India, SE Asia, Sikkim, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam

How it is used for food

The boiled young roots are edible. They are sued to add flavour. The young stem tips are used as a vegetable. They are boiled and then used in curry. They are used in pickles. The harvested leaves can be stored for 5-6 days. The ripe fruit are eaten raw. The seeds are roasted and eaten.

Leaves and flowers are sold in local markets.

Edible parts

Leaves, fruit, roots, flowers, seeds

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seeds.

Its other names

Local names

Asaihe tuni, Atkir, Aushbash, Chobohini, Chopchini, Gadung india, Gotvel, Jangli, Josti-karna lota, Kareenlanchi, Kayu cina hutan, Kolarbhaji, Kukurdainy, Kumarika, Mutri, Paepayai, Qiemao-qiegala, Rajdanti, Ramdatum, Ramdatun, Ramdatwan, Saihe maruani, Sherdera, Sherdire, Soima jaseb, Tikoni borual, Yorit

Synonyms

Smilax australis R. Br. sensu Heyne & Burkill;