Family: Smilacaceae
Synonym: Smilax elliptica R.Br.
Vernacular name: Arikanni, Kareelanchi, Keeralanchi, Valiyakanni
Habit: Climbing shrub
Habitat: Moist deciduous and semi-evergreen forests, also in the plains
Distribution: Tropical Asia
Flowering and Fruiting: September to December
Key identification features: Climbing shrubs with prickly stems, ovate-oblong or ovate-lanceolate leaves, and unisexual flowers. Male flowers have 6 stamens, while female flowers have 3-lobed ovaries. The fruits are subglobose berries containing 1-3 seeds.
Uses: New shoots or young leaves are eaten cooked as
vegetable. Stem are used in urinary complaints and in dysentery, and roots are
taken as tonic.
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