Smilax riparia

Physical Characteristics

Smilax riparia is a PERENNIAL CLIMBER. It is in flower from June to July, and the seeds ripen in October. 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

E. Asia - China, Japan, Korea.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Leaves Shoots Edible Uses: Young shoots and leaves - cooked[105, 177]. Fruit[177]. No more details are given. The blue/black berries can be 9mm in diameter[266].

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

None known