This extensive genus comprises approximately 300 to 350 species of both evergreen and deciduous shrubs, native to tropical and subtropical areas globally. These plants create dense thickets characterized by spiny stems and heart-shaped green leaves. Greenish-white flowers emerge during May and June. After pollination, the plants yield small, round berries that turn a vibrant blue-red as they mature in the fall.

Smilax

This evergreen climbing plant can reach heights of approximately 3 meters, creating a dense network of thorny, angular stems. Its leaves are leathery, ovate, heart-shaped, and typically feature a glossy green surface, often marked with grey blotches. In late summer to early autumn, it produces small, fragrant flowers that appear in racemes, which are succeeded by red fruits.

Smilax aspera

Smilax aspera 'Silver Shield'

Smilax aspera subsp. mauritanica

Smilax biflora

Smilax bona-nox

Smilax bona-nox 'Cantab'

Smilax bracteata

Smilax china

Smilax discotis

Smilax excelsa

Smilax ferox

Smilax from Thailand

Smilax glabra

Smilax glauca

Smilax glaucophylla

Smilax glycyphylla

Smilax guianensis

Smilax herbacea

Smilax hispida

Smilax lancifolia

Smilax mauritanica

Smilax medeola

Smilax megalantha

Smilax menispermoidea

Smilax mircophylla var. elongata

Smilax myosotiflora

Smilax nana

Smilax nipponica

Smilax officinalis

Smilax pseudo-china

Smilax pumila

Smilax riparia

Smilax riparia var. ussuriensis

Smilax rotundifolia is a woody vine that can grow to heights of 6 meters or more. This plant features prickly stems and glossy, ovate leaves that are heart-shaped at the base and measure up to 18 centimeters in length. During summer, it produces round flowers that range in color from pale yellowish-green to bronze, which are succeeded by blue-black to black berries in the autumn. This species is deciduous to semi-evergreen, depending on the climate.