Smilax aspera

Papata

Smilax aspera, commonly known as prickly sarsaparilla, is a vigorous climbing shrub native to various tropical regions. Renowned in traditional medicine, this botanical specimen is prized for its bioactive compounds. It is frequently utilized in herbal remedies to support detoxification, improve skin health, and enhance overall vitality.

  • Scientific name: Smilax aspera
  • Family: Smilacaceae
  • Native range: Europe

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Following its placement in the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Liliales, it is further categorized under the family Smilacaceae. Finally, its specific taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Smilax.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Liliales WCVP
Family Smilacaceae WCVP
Genus Smilax WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Smilax aspera, is referred to by various common names depending on the language and region. In Esperanto, it is called Aspra smilako, while in Hebrew, it is known as קיסוסית קוצנית. Moving through Romance languages, it is identified as Salsepareille in French, arítjol in Catalan, and Raza in Corsican.
Language Common Name Source
eo Aspra smilako Wikidata
he קיסוסית קוצנית Wikidata
fr Salsepareille Wikidata
ca arítjol Wikidata
co Raza Wikidata
de Raue Stechwinde Wikidata
ne कुकुरडाइनो Wikidata
hr Tetivika Wikidata
hsb Kałata přestupnička Wikidata
da Orientalsk Sarsaparil Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific geographical distribution concentrated within the Mediterranean region of Southwestern Europe. It can be found growing across the diverse landscapes of France and Portugal. Additionally, its presence extends to several important islands located in the Mediterranean Sea. Specifically, it is documented in the Baleares, Corse, and Sardegna. This range highlights the plant's affinity for the unique coastal and island ecosystems of the southwestern European territory.

Region Area Source
Southwestern Europe Baleares WCVP
Southwestern Europe Corse WCVP
Southwestern Europe France WCVP
Southwestern Europe Portugal WCVP
Southwestern Europe Sardegna WCVP
Southwestern Europe Spain WCVP
Southeastern Europe Albania WCVP
Southeastern Europe Greece WCVP
Southeastern Europe Italy WCVP
Southeastern Europe Kriti WCVP

Activities

Smilax aspera has 1 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Apoptotic.

Total activities
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Apoptotic 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Smilax aspera has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Trichinella spiralis.

Total uses
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
Trichinella spiralis 1 ★☆☆☆☆