Smilax aspera - sarsaparilla, sarsaparilla (forest honeycomb)

Evergreen rhizomatous climber up to 3-4 meters tall with cirrus clouds. Leathery, heart-shaped leaves with spiny margins are dark green in color and sometimes have whitish spots. At the end of summer and beginning of autumn, small greenish-white flowers appear, inconspicuous but delicately scented, gathered in umbel inflorescences. The fruits, pleasing to the eye, are gathered in coral red clusters when ripe.

Pedoclimatic needs

It adapts to all types of soil, even sandy and brackish ones. It prefers warm climates, resists wind and salt, but also tolerates short frosts down to -5°/-6°C.

Botanical Information

Botanical Name: Smilax aspera

Family: Smilacaceae