Smilax fluminensis
Smilax fluellenis, commonly known as a species of Sarsaparilla, is a climbing woody vine native to tropical regions. Renowned for its medicinal properties, the plant's roots are traditionally harvested for their bioactive compounds, which are frequently utilized in herbal remedies to support detoxification and enhance overall blood health.
- Scientific name: Smilax fluminensis
- Family: Smilacaceae
- Native range: Southern America
Taxonomical Classification
This plant, Smilax fluminenis, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. It is classified under the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae within the order Liliales. Furthermore, it is a member of the family Smilacaceae and falls under 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, Smilax fluminenis, is known by various common names depending on the linguistic and regional context. In English, it is typically referred to as the river smilax, while in Spanish, it is commonly called zarza de río. In Portuguese, the plant is known as zarza de rio, and in French, it is identified as smilax de rivière.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|
Distribution
This plant exhibits a diverse geographical distribution spanning across both Central and South America. In Central America, its range includes the countries of Costa Rica and Panamá. Moving into Northern South America, the species can be found within the borders of Venezuela. Its presence extends further south into Western South America, specifically inhabiting Colombia. Finally, the distribution reaches as far as Bolivia in the western part of the continent.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Central America | Costa Rica | WCVP |
| Central America | Panamá | WCVP |
| Northern South America | Venezuela | WCVP |
| Western South America | Bolivia | WCVP |
| Western South America | Colombia | WCVP |
| Western South America | Ecuador | WCVP |
| Western South America | Peru | WCVP |
| Brazil | Brazil West-Central | WCVP |
| Brazil | Brazil Northeast | WCVP |
| Brazil | Brazil Southeast | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Smilax fluminensis, possesses a complex underground structure consisting of thick rhizomes and specialized tubers that serve as vital storage organs for nutrients. Its growth pattern is supported by sturdy stems that emerge from these subterranean components to reach towards the light. The leaves are another defining feature, providing the necessary surface area for photosynthesis to fuel the plant's development. Together, the interconnected network of rhizomes, tubers, stems, and leaves allows this medicinal species to thrive in its natural habitat.- Total parts
- 5
- Scientific sources
- 6
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| rhizome | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| tubers | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| stems | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| rhizomes | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leaves | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Smilax fluminensis has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include flavonoids.
- Total chemicals
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| flavonoids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Smilax fluminensis has 4 reported activities identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antimicrobial, Antimutagenic, Cytotoxic, Free-Radical Scavenging.
- Total activities
- 4
- Scientific sources
- 4
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antimicrobial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antimutagenic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Cytotoxic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Free-Radical Scavenging | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |