Smilax havanensis

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Smilax spinosa var. ovata
• Smilax poiretii
• Smilax dentata
• Smilax havanensis f. laevis
• Smilax havanensis f. inermis
• Smilax havanensis subvar. poiretii
• Smilax havanensis subvar. ovata
• Smilax havanensis var. armata
• Smilax havanensis subvar. dentata
• Smilax havanensis var. vulgaris

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, Smilax havanaensis, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is classified under the order Liliales. Finally, it is a member of the family Smilacaceae within the genus Smilax.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific geographical distribution that spans across the Southeastern United States and various Caribbean territories. In the United States, its presence is noted within the state of Florida. Moving into the Caribbean region, it can be found throughout the Bahamas and the Cayman Islands. The species also occupies significant portions of Cuba. Additionally, its range extends to include the Turks-Caicos Islands.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Smilax havanensis is characterized by its specialized survival strategies, specifically classified through its distinct life forms. This plant functions as a cryptophyte, meaning its essential regenerative organs are protected beneath the soil surface to endure unfavorable environmental conditions. More specifically, it is identified as a geophyte, a classification that highlights its reliance on underground storage organs, such as rhizomes or tubers, to persist through periods of dormancy or stress. This evolutionary adaptation allows the species to maintain a perennial presence within its habitat, ensuring successful regrowth when seasonal conditions become optimal for vegetative and reproductive development.

Life form :

geophyte

Life form :

cryptophyte

Morphology

The morphology of Smilax havannensis is characterized by its growth habit as a terrestrial plant, thriving in soil-based environments rather than aquatic or semiaquatic habitats. It functions as a liana, exhibiting a climbing growth form that utilizes external structures for support. This climbing mechanism is obligatory, meaning the plant relies on physical scaffolding to ascend toward light sources. As an independent organism, it does not function as a parasite, maintaining its own nutritional processes without relying on a host for sustenance. Furthermore, it is a terrestrial species rather than an epiphyte, anchoring its root system in the ground. In terms of its structural composition, the plant is categorized as non-woody, lacking the heavy lignified tissues typically found in true woody climbers.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

liana

Climber :

obligatory

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

non-woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Activities

Smilax havanensis has 3 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antibacterial, Antioxidant, Antiprotozoal.

Antibacterial

1. Phytotherapy research : PTR

Antioxidant

1. Phytotherapy research : PTR

Antiprotozoal

1. Phytotherapy research : PTR

Preparations

Smilax havanensis has 1 reported preparations identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include Methanol and aqueous extracts.

Methanol and aqueous extracts

1. Phytotherapy research : PTR