Smilax moranensis
| Smilax moranensis | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Monocots |
| Order: | Liliales |
| Family: | Smilacaceae |
| Genus: | Smilax |
| Species: | S. moranensis
|
| Binomial name | |
| Smilax moranensis Mart. & Gal.
| |
| Synonyms[1] | |
| |
Smilax moranensis is a plant species in the family Smilacaceae. It is native to mountainous areas in Mexico from Sonora and Chihuahua south to Chiapas.[2][3]
Smilax moranensis is a trailing to climbing vine sometimes reaching a height of 10 m (33 feet). Leaves are broadly ovate, round and the base and slightly tapering toward the tip. Flowers are born in umbels in the axils of the leaves, each with 6 yellow-green tepals.[4][5][6]
Uses[edit]
The species is used medicinally throughout much of its range, under the common name zarzaparilla. It is valued for its expectorant, diuretic, and anti-inflammatory properties.[7] It is also reportedly useful in treating Type 2 diabetes.[8]
References[edit]
- ^ Tropicos, Smilax moranensis
- ^ CONABIO. 2009. Catálogo taxonómico de especies de México. 1. In Capital Nat. México. CONABIO, Mexico City.
- ^ Breedlove, D.E. 1986. Flora de Chiapas. Listados Florísticos de México 4: i–v, 1–246.
- ^ Morton, C.V. 1942. A reexamination of Mexican Smilax. Brittonia 14(3):299-309.
- ^ Davidse, G., M. Sousa Sánchez & A.O. Chater. 1994. Alismataceae a Cyperaceae. 6: i–xvi, 1–543. In G. Davidse, M. Sousa Sánchez & A.O. Chater (eds.) Flora Mesoamericana. Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México, D. F.
- ^ Ferrufino Acosta, L. 2010. Taxonomic revision of the genus Smilax (Smilacaceae) in Central America and the Caribbean Islands. Willdenowia 40: 227–280.
- ^ Biblioteca Digital de la Medicina Tradicional de México
- ^ Botanical On-line
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