Putali jhar
Smilax rigida
Family: Smilacaceae
What it is like
An erect shrub. It has many branches. The leaves are stalked. They are 1.6-2.5 cm long by 1.2-2.5 cm wide. They are oval and taper to the tip. They are leathery. The flowers are small and greenish. The fruit is a berry. It is black when ripe.
There are about 300 Smilax species.
Where it is found
In Nepal plants grow from 2100-2900 m altitude. It grows in temperate forest.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, Bhutan, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Laos, Nepal, SE Asia
How it is used for food
Tender shoots are cooked as a vegetable.
Edible parts
Leaves
How it is grown
Plants are grown from seed.