Smilax corbularia

Family: Smilacaceae

What it is like

A climbing vine. The stems are branched and 3-9 m long. The leaf stalk has a narrow wing for part of its length. The leaves are oblong to narrowly oval and 4-14 cm long by 2-5 cm wide. The flowering arrangement is a single flat topped group. Male and female flowers are separate. The fruit are dark red, round berries 6-7 mm across.

It is used as a medicinal plant in Thailand. The roots have oestrogens.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It south China it grows from sea level to 1,600 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, China, Indochina, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, SE Asia, Thailand, Vietnam

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Root

How it is grown

It can be grown from seeds or rhizomes.

Its other names

Local names

Hua-khao-yen-nua, Kaoyennaey

Synonyms

Smilax balansaeana Baill. ex Gagnep.; Smilax banglaoensis R. H. Miao; Smilax peguana A. DC.;