| Neutral | macybee | On Jul 16, 2007, macybee from Deer Park, TX
(Zone 9a) wrote:Botonica Encyclopedia: Smilax China
This deciduous climber from China, Korea and Japan attains a height of 15'. Smilax China has oval leaves, which may be up to 3" across, and the small umbels of yellow-green flowers are borne in spring. They are followed on female plants by red berries. Zones 6-10.
Cultivation: Grow in moist, well-drained soil in sun or light shade. Propagate from seed, layers, semi-ripe cuttings or by dividing well-established plants.
Smilax: Sarsaparilla, Greenbrier, Catbrier
Almost 200 species of deciduous or evergreen vines and herbaceous perennials make up this genus, found in tropical and temperate regions worldwide. They are a variable lot but usually have small, elliptical leaves and tiny white flowers, sometimes fragrant, carried in racemes. The stems usually grow in a zigzag pattern, changing direction at each leaf node, and often have small barbs or spines as climbing aids. The female flowers are followed by 1/4" diameter red, blue-black or black berries. The prime attraction of Smilax species is the dense light green foliage cover they provide. |
