Smilax aspera aka Rough Bindweed

Taxonomy

Genus Smilax Family Smilacaceae Order Liliales Class Liliopsida Phylum Tracheophyta
Smilax aspera, also known as common smilax, rough bindweed, sarsaparille, and Mediterranean smilax, is a perennial, evergreen climber with a flexible and delicate stem, and sharp thorns. It belongs to the greenbriar family and has heart-shaped leaves that are tough and leathery, with toothed and spiny margins. The leaves are 8–10 centimetres long and are petiolated and alternate. The plant has a reticulate type of venation, and the midrib of the underside of the leaves has spines. The flowers are small, yellowish or greenish, very fragrant, and gathered in axillary racemes. The fruits are globose berries, initially red and later turning black, and are gathered in clusters. The berries have a diameter of 8–10 millimetres and contain one to three tiny and round seeds. The plant is invasive in the eastern United States and may be poisonous. If you are trying to get rid of Smilax aspera, you can use a regular garden hoe, but for deep-rooted ones, a winged weeder is recommended. To remove the weeds with a winged weeder, place the bottom tip of the blade right next to the stem and press down vertically to push the blade into the soil. Then tilt the weeder downwards towards the ground to pull the whole root out. If there are too many weeds to remove manually or with a hoe, you can use a weed killer made of chemicals and spray the chemical directly on each weed. However, this method is not environmentally friendly and should only be used if absolutely necessary. Catbrier, on the other hand, is a super rare houseplant that requires regular watering to thrive. It does best in long-lasting, direct light and should be less than 1 foot from a window. Catbrier likes soil that is good at retaining moisture, and you should repot it each time it doubles in size. The plant does not need added fertilizers.

Common names

Rough Bindweed, Common Smilax, Salsaparilla

How to care for Rough Bindweed

Difficulty

Rough Bindweed requires a bit more attention and knowledge to thrive, making it a suitable plant for those with some gardening experience.

Water

Rough Bindweed should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

When growing Rough Bindweed, it is important to pay attention to the soil type you are using. This plant is very sensitive to dry soil and needs a potting soil that retains moisture. A good soil should still be well-draining and contain lots of organic matter. Coco coir or sphagnum moss are great options to provide the Rough Bindweed with the nutrients and moisture it needs. The added organic matter will also help the soil retain water and prevent the Rough Bindweed from drying out too quickly. Before planting, make sure to mix compost or manure into the soil for extra nutrients. Also, make sure to water the Rough Bindweed regularly, making sure to keep the soil evenly moist but never soggy. With the correct soil and watering regimen, the Rough Bindweed will thrive and bring lots of beauty to your home.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Rough Bindweed prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Toxicity

Ploi's records do not contain confirmed information on the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event of accidental ingestion of plant material with questionable toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional.

Fertilizer

The Rough Bindweed should be repotted either when it doubles in size or annually, whichever comes first. Providing new potting soil with all the vital nutrients annually is enough to support the growth of the plant, and thus, there is no need for fertilizer. Remember that plants derive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.

Region of origin

Rough Bindweed’s native range is S. Europe to Asia in the Himalayas.

More info:
Wikipedia

More Species in Smilax Genus

Smilax melastomifolia Hawaii Greenbrier

Smilax tamnoides Bristly Greenbrier

Smilax china Chinaroot

Smilax bracteata Smilax Bracteata

Smilax discotis

Smilax herbacea Carrion Flower

Smilax cordifolia

Smilax sieboldii

Smilax bona-nox Catbrier

Smilax hispida