Melocan, Melvocan, Silean
Smilax excelsa
Family: Smilacaceae
What it is like
A climbing shrub. It can grow 20 m high. The leaves are arrow shaped with short leaf stalks.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It grows in deciduous forests.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, Caucasus, China, Europe, Georgia, Indochina, SE Asia, Thailand, Turkey, Türkiye
How it is used for food
The leaves are used for sarma in Turkey. They are rolled around a filling of rice or minced meat.
Leaves are sold in local markets.
Edible parts
Shoots, leaves, fruit, flowers, leaf stalk
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Dikenucu, Ek'ala, Ek'alg'ich'i, Gicirdakdikeni, Kircan, Kusevin, Melevecen, Melocan, Zimilacidikeni
Synonyms
Smilax laevis Gueldenst. ex Ledeb.; Smilax panduriformis Aliev;