Smilax lanceifolia
Family: Smilacaceae
What it is like
A thorny twining shrub. Stems are 1-2 m long. They are woody. The leaves are stalked. The leaf stalks are 1-2 cm long and with narrow wings. The leaf blades are oval or sword shaped and fattened towards the base. They taper to the tip. They are 6-17 cm long by 2-8 cm wide. The flowers are small and yellow. They occur in many flowered heads. The fruit is a berry. They are green when young. This plant varies a lot.
There are about 300 Smilax species.
Where it is found
A tropical and subtropical plant. In Nepal they grow to about 2000 m altitude. They grow in moist places in forested areas. In China they grow from 100-2800 m altitude. In Sichuan and Yunnan.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Northeastern India, Pacific, Philippines, SE Asia, Sikkim, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam
How it is used for food
Young leaves and shoots are cooked as a vegetable. Ripe fruit are eaten fresh.
Edible parts
Leaves, fruit
How it is grown
Plants are grown from seed.
Its other names
Local names
Chhatiwan, Chubi Chini, Dao, Gutea shuk china, Hindichobchini, Kubiraina, Kukurdaino, Ma jia ba qia, Naam dao, Thao yang dong