User:Michael Goodyear/Smilax megacarpa

Smilax megacarpa is a species of flowering plant in the large genus Smilax of the family Smilacaceae (Catbriers), part of the monocot order Liliales.

Description
Climbing rhizomatous vines, reaching 2–10 m, with branching woody terete (circular cross section) stems bearing prickles. Leaves ovate to broadly elliptic in shape, 6–27 cm long by 2–15 cm wide, subleathery to papery and somewhat shiny on adaxial (facing stem) surface. The petioles are 1.5–5 cm and are narrowly winged with weakly developed sheaths over 1/3–1/2 of the length. Tendrils up to 25 cm long. The inflorescence has 2–3 umbels with 6–20 flowers of both sexes. The male flowers have 6–7 greenish-yellow tepals that are 0.6–1.5 mm in size. The fruit is a globose berry, 1.5–2 cm in diameter, that turns dark red to purple.

Taxonomy
Smilax megacarpa was first described in 1878 by Alphonse Pyramus de Candolle and his son Casimir de Candolle and consequently bears the botanical authority (A.DC.) of the former.

Etymology
The species epithet megacarpa is derived from the Greek words mega (large) and carpos (fruit).

Distribution and habitat
Assam to S. China and W. & Central Malesia, including Cambodia, India, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam. In China it is found in Guangxi, Hainan and South Yunnan. In Malaysia it is found in the Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve, in Kuala Lumpur and in Thailand, in Chiang Mai. Its habitat is in forests and thickets on shaded slopes, from about sea level to 1500 m.

Ecology
Smilax megacarpa attaches itself to other plants by means of its tendrils. Flowering is from October to December, and the fruit appears from May to June.

Uses
The rhizomes are used as food in Malaysia and is used in traditional medicine in Laos.