Smilacaceae

Catbrier FamilyBy Ashlyn Kuklock

Smilacaceae

• 10-12 Genera• 300-320 species• Herbs, shrubs, and woody vines

Smilacaceae• Leaves alternate or opposite, simple, often leathery, and palmately veined• Flowers perfect or imperfect

Sepals-3Petal-3Stamens-6Carpels-3Styles-3

Fruit is a berryFound in southern hemisphereRoots of some species are used medicinally for the treatment of rheumatism.

Smilax tamnoides: Greenbrier

• Leaf: Alternate, simple, 3 to 5 inches long, parallel veins, shiny green above, slightly paler beneath. Flower: Small, yellow-green, in clusters with long stems, appearing in late spring. Fruit: Dark blue to nearly black, round berry, 1/4 inch. Twig: Green with dark, needle-like prickles.Form: A climbing or trailing vine.

Smilax tamnoides

References• http://www.nzenzeflowerspauwels.be/SmilAnce2.jpg• http://www.virtualherbarium.org/lf/saur.jpg• http://static.howstuffworks.com/gif/willow/smilax-info0.gif• http://www.sbs.utexas.edu/bio406d/images/pics/smi/Smilax%20smallii%20habit1.jpg• http://farm1.static.flickr.com/212/499953464_27bfb9f45e.jpg?v=0• http://www.sbs.utexas.edu/bio406d/images/pics/smi/Smilax%20smallii%20leaves1.jpg• http://www.paulmcafeenaturephoto.com/web_page/Photos_of_the_Week/IMAG077A.JPG• http://botit.botany.wisc.edu/coursessystematics/family_index/fam..• Walters, Dirk., Keil, David., Murrell, Zack E. 2006. Vascular Plant Taxonomy. 5th Edition U.S;

Kendall/Hunt.