Greenbriar, Saw greenbrier, Dunes saw greenbrier

Smilax bona-nox

Physical Characteristics

Smilax bona-nox is a deciduous Climber growing to 6 m (19ft 8in). It is in flower in June. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required).. The plant is not self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

South-eastern N. America - Virginia to Kentucky, Kansas, Florida, Texas and Mexico.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Root Shoots Stem Edible Uses: Gelatine Root - cooked[22, 46, 62, 161]. It can be dried and ground into a powder[61, 102, 105]. The root can be made into a gelatine[62]. The root contains a pectin-like substance[159]. Young shoots - raw or cooked[62, 102, 159]. Fruit - raw. A rubbery texture, it is chewed[177] (and chewed and chewed presumably![K]) Produced in umbels of up to 20 fruits, each fruit is about 5mm in diameter[235].

Medicinal Uses

Birthing aid Diuretic Poultice Rubefacient Urinary The root is diuretic. It is used in the treatment of dropsy and urinary complaints[181, 257]. A tea made from the roots is used to help the expelling of afterbirth[222]. Reports that the roots contain the hormone testosterone have not been confirmed, they might contain steroid precursors, however[222]. The stem prickles have been rubbed on the skin as a counter-irritant to relieve localised pains, muscle cramps and twitching[222]. A tea made from the leaves and stems has been used as a general tonic and also in the treatment of rheumatism and stomach problems[222, 257]. The wilted leaves are applied as a poultice to boils[222].

Known Hazards

None known