Smilax riparia

Smilax riparia is a climber in the Smilacaceae family. Its native range spans much of eastern Asia. Kew places it from the southern Russian Far East to China and the Philippines. Plants For A Future also lists Japan, Korea and Taiwan. It grows mostly in regions with a temperate climate. It is not native to Britain or Ireland.

This plant grows in forests, thickets and on grassy slopes. It also grows on hillsides next to valleys. Its sites range from near sea level to 6,890 feet [2,100 metres]. Plants For A Future calls it a perennial climber. This means it can live for more than one year. Yet that source says it often lives as an annual. Some plants live for several years. The evidence gives no full-grown height or spread. It gives no bark, stem or leaf shape details for this species.

Flowers appear from June to July. Seeds ripen in October. Each plant bears either male or female flowers. Both sexes must grow together to make seeds. A lone plant cannot fertilise itself. The berries turn blue-black. They can reach about 0.35 inches across. The evidence gives no flower colour for this species. Nor does it name what pollinates the flowers. Details about the whole genus cannot fill these gaps.

Plants For A Future says it prefers moist soil. It lists growth in sandy, loamy and clay soils. The pH range runs from mildly acid to mildly alkaline soil. It also lists sun and light woodland shade as suitable. But its care notes draw on the whole genus's needs. Treat these notes as a rough guide, not tested care needs. The source suggests woodland edges and dappled shade for garden sites. Its ability to cope with British winters is not clear. The source gives no firm hardiness zone.

Young shoots and leaves have a recorded food use when cooked. Plants For A Future also lists the fruit as edible. It gives no more details on how to prepare fruit. Its edibility score is two out of five. The source reports no known hazards. This does not prove it is safe for every use. It records no medicinal or other uses. The evidence gives no pest or disease details for this species. The source does not flag this plant as a weed.