Aloes and Lilies of Ethiopia and Eritrea

Distribution and
reproduction
Key to the species
SMILACACEAE
321
This family includes three genera of climbers with
tendrils, of which one, Smilax, is species rich and widely
distributed in tropical to temperate regions. This is the
only genus represented in Africa.
SMILAX L.
The genus was already described in 1753 by Linnaeus. It
includes perennial climbers with tendrils developed from
the leaf bases (transformed stipules). The leaves are ovate
to cordate with 3–7 curved­convergent main nerves with
reticulate venation between the primary veins; usually
with a distinct petiole. The inflorescences are produced
from the leaf axils and are umbelshaped, racemose or
spicate. The flowers are most often unisexual and most
often rather inconspicuous, with 3 + 3 tepals. The male
flowers have usually 6 stamens, and the female a superior
ovary of 3 united carpels, developing into a berry.
The genus includes c. 300 species which are widely
distributed in the tropical, subtropical and temperate
regions. The flowers are pollinated by small unspecialised
insects, wind might also be involved. The seeds are
dispersed by fruiteating birds and mammals. Smilax
species are used medicinally, with leaves, roots and
stems used to make infusions. Young shoots may be used
as vegetables.
1. Leaf blades rounded or gradually narrowing towards the base, widest at the
middle; inflorescence a simple umbel 1. S. anceps
- Leaf base truncate or heartshaped at the base, widest below the middle;
inflorescence of several few-flowered umbels, appearing racemose 2. S. aspera