Smilax biltmoreana

Herbs. Stems annual, erect, 0.2–0.6 m, herbaceous, glabrous, glaucous abaxially; prickles absent. Leaves few, approximate distally; tendrils absent; blade ovate, 6–15 × 1.5–8 cm; glabrous and glaucous abaxially, base cordate, margins entire, apex acute to acuminate. Umbels 1–few, proximalmost axillary to leaves or bracts, few-flowered, open; peduncle 5–10 cm. Flowers: perianth greenish; tepals 2.5–3.5 mm; anthers longer than filaments; ovules (1–)2 per locule; pedicel slender, ca. 1 cm. Berries black to bluish black, globose, ca. 8 mm diam., not glaucous. 2n = 26.

Phenology: Flowering May–Jun.
Habitat: Rich, open woods in ravines, along streams, and at bases of bluffs
Elevation: 0–1500 m

Ala., Fla., Ga., Ky., N.C., S.C., Va.

Discussion

Smilax biltmoreana is distinguished by its ovate leaves with glabrous and glaucous abaxial surfaces.

Selected References

None.

Lower Taxa