Practical
Plants

Smilax lanceolata

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Taxonomy and growth

Genus
Smilax
Foliage
evergreen
Fertility
self sterile
Flower type
dioecious

Uses

Edible uses

Root - cooked[7][2]. It can be dried and ground into a powder. Rich in starch[6].

Plant part
Root

Ecology and functions

Ecosystem niche
Climber

Environment

Range
South-eastern N. America - northern Florida to Texas, Virginia, Arkansas and Utah.
Habitat
Rich woods, hammocks, roadsides etc[8].
Light
full sun
Shade tolerance
light shade
Water
moderate
Soil textures
sandy, loamy, clay
Soil pH
acid, neutral, alkaline
Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
No
Drought
intolerant

Propagation

Seed - sow March in a warm greenhouse[1]. This note probably refers to the tropical members of the genus, seeds of plants from cooler areas seem to require a period of cold stratification, some species taking 2 or more years to germinate[K]. We sow the seed of temperate species in a cold frame as soon as we receive it, and would sow the seed as soon as it is ripe if we could obtain it then[K]. When the seedlings eventually germinate, prick them out into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first year, though we normally grow them on in pots for 2 years. Plant them out into their permanent positions in early summer. Division in early spring as new growth begins[4]. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found it best to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in a lightly shaded position in a cold frame, planting them out once they are well established in the summer. Cuttings of half-ripe shoots, July in a frame[4].

Cultivation

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it could succeed outdoors at least in the milder parts of the country. According to some authorities this species is no more than a synonym for S. laurifolia[5]. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Succeeds in most soils in sun or semi-shade[3]. Dioecious. Male and female plants must be grown if seed is required.

References

  1. F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press 1951-00-00

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  2. Kunkel. G. Plants for Human Consumption. Koeltz Scientific Books 1984-00-00 ISBN 3874292169

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  3. Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5

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  4. Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. 1995-00-00 ISBN 0-7513-020-31

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  5. Fernald. M. L. Gray's Manual of Botany. American Book Co. 1950-00-00

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  6. Uphof. J. C. Th. Dictionary of Economic Plants. Weinheim 1959-00-00

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  7. Usher. G. A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man. Constable 1974-00-00 ISBN 0094579202

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  8. Small. Manual of the Southeastern Flora.

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