Smilax auriculata
| Smilax auriculata | |
| Light: |   |
| Moisture: |  |
| Soil pH: | 5.6-8.4 |
| Evergreen Cross Pollinated | |
| Open Woods Forest | |
| Native to: | |
| Edible Rating: |  |
| Medicinal Rating: |  |
| Tea: | Yes |
 | |
Smilax auriculata (common name: earleaf greenbrier)
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[2]. 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[2].
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 should succeed outdoors at least in the milder parts of the country. 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.
Range: South-eastern N. America - Florida to Texas, Minnesota and Ontario.
Habitat: Woods, thickets, fence rows and streambanks[4].
Edibility: Root - dried and ground into a powder[5][6]. Rich in starch[7][8].
Medicinal: The stem prickles have been rubbed on the skin as a counter-irritant to relieve localised pains, muscle cramps and twitching[9].
A tea made from the leaves and stems has been used in the treatment of rheumatism and stomach problems[9].
The wilted leaves are applied as a poultice to boils[9].
A tea made from the roots is used to help the expelling of afterbirth[9]. Reports that the roots contain the hormone testosterone have not been confirmed, they might contain steroid precursors, however[9].
Soil: Can grow in light, medium, and heavy soils.
In Leaf: Evergreen
Flower Type: Dioecious
Links
References
- ↑ Chittendon, Fred. RHS Dictionary of Plants. Oxford University Press, 1951.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Bown, Deni. Royal Horticultural Society Encyclopaedia of Herbs and Their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, 1995.
- ↑ Huxley, Anthony. The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. MacMillan Press, 1992.
- ↑ Small, John. Manual of the Southeastern Flora. Blackburn Press, 2004.
- ↑ Usher, George. A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man. Constable, 1974.
- ↑ Kunkel, Günther. Plants for Human Consumption. Koeltz Scientific Books, 1984.
- ↑ Uphof, Johannes. Dictionary of Economic Plants. Weinheim, 1959.
- ↑ Tanaka, Tyōzaburō. Tanaka's Cyclopaedia of Edible Plants of the World. Keigaku Publishing, 1976.
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 9.4 Foster, Steven and Billy Tatum. Medicinal Plants of Eastern and Central North America. Houghton Mifflin, 1990.