Smilax moranensis

Smilax moranensis
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Monocots
Order: Liliales
Family: Smilacaceae
Genus: Smilax
Species: S. moranensis
Binomial name
Smilax moranensis
Mart. & Gal.
Synonyms[1]
  • Smilax acutifolia Schltdl.
  • Smilax botterii A. DC.
  • Smilax cordifolia var. papantlae DC.
  • Smilax cordifolia var. schiedeana (Kunth) DC.
  • Smilax densiflora A. DC.
  • Smilax densiflora var. chrismarensis A. DC.
  • Smilax erythrocarpa Kunth
  • Smilax glaucocarpus Schltdl.
  • Smilax invenusta Kunth
  • Smilax invenusta var. armata A. DC.
  • Smilax jalapensis Schltdl.
  • Smilax jalapensis var. botterii (A. DC.) Killip & C.V. Morton
  • Smilax moranensis fo. hispida C.V. Morton
  • Smilax moranensis var. mexiae Killip & C.V. Morton
  • Smilax moranensis var. schaffneriana A. DC.
  • Smilax schaffneriana (A. DC.) F.W. Apt
  • Smilax schiedeana Kunth
  • Smilax sylvatica Kunth
  • Smilax uruapensis Sessé & Moc.

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

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

  1. ↑ Tropicos, Smilax moranensis
  2. ↑ CONABIO. 2009. Catálogo taxonómico de especies de México. 1. In Capital Nat. México. CONABIO, Mexico City.
  3. ↑ Breedlove, D.E. 1986. Flora de Chiapas. Listados Florísticos de México 4: i–v, 1–246.
  4. ↑ Morton, C.V. 1942. A reexamination of Mexican Smilax. Brittonia 14(3):299-309.
  5. ↑ 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.
  6. ↑ Ferrufino Acosta, L. 2010. Taxonomic revision of the genus Smilax (Smilacaceae) in Central America and the Caribbean Islands. Willdenowia 40: 227–280.
  7. ↑ Biblioteca Digital de la Medicina Tradicional de México
  8. ↑ Botanical On-line


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