| Classification |
| Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Liliopsida
Order Type: Basal Angiosperms-Monocots
Order: Liliales
Family: Smilacaceae
Family Common Name: Catbrier Family
Genera: Smilax |
Defining Morphology: Floral
Features: Inflorescences are determinate and are often on axillary umbels.
Flowers are bisexual, actinomorphic and dioecious. Flowers are often showy;
Ovaries are superior with mostly axile placentation. Fruit and Seed Features:
Monocotyledon. Fruit a berry. Seeds are often globose. Vegetative Features:
Habit is as woody or herbaceous perennial climbers with prickly stipular
tendrils. Leaves alternate and simple with net venation.
Distribution: Tropical and
subtropical and temperate regions.
Economic Use: As garden ornamentals,
as the source of sarsaparilla flavoring or being used medicinally. Berries,
tubers and young stem are sometimes eaten.
Number of Genera Globally:
2
Number of Species Globally:
317
