Sarsaparilla
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| Sarsaparilla | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Monocots |
| Order: | Liliales |
| Family: | Smilacaceae |
| Genus: | Smilax |
| Species: | S. regelii |
| Binomial name | |
| Smilax regelii Killip & C.V.Morton |
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| Synonyms | |
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Smilax ornata Hook.f. |
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Sarsaparilla (pronounced /ˌsæspəˈrɪlə/ or /ˌsɑːspəˈrɪlə/), also known as Honduran Sarsaparilla or Jamaican Sarsaparilla(Smilax regelii), is a perennial trailing vine with prickly stems that is native to Central America.[1] Its name (which is zarzaparrilla in Spanish) comes from the Spanish words zarza for "shrub" and parrilla for "little grape vine."[2]
Sweet Sarsparilla (Smilax glyciphylla) is a vine native to East Australia.[3] It is sometimes confused with Native Sarsparilla (Hardenbergia violacea), an unrelated vine.[4]
Contents |
[edit] Usage
Sarsaparilla is used as the basis for a soft drink sold for its taste, and it is claimed to have medicinal properties.
Sarsaparilla is not readily available in most countries, although many pubs and most major supermarket chains in Australia stock sarsaparilla flavored soft drinks. In America, the prevalent brand is Sioux City Sarsaparilla.[citation needed] In Taiwan, Heysong Sasparilla soda is also commonly available in convenience stores.
Sarsaparilla was a popular drink during the old west. (1820-1890's)[citation needed]
[edit] See also
- Aralia nudicaulis, false sarsaparilla
- 1953 story by Ray Bradbury, "A Scent of Sarsaparilla".
- 1929 novel by William Faulkner, "The Sound and the Fury".
[edit] References
[edit] External links
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