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Description
Smilax Auriculata, also known as Earleaf Greenbrier, is a deciduous climbing vine that belongs to the Smilacaceae family. It is native to the southeastern United States and can be found in the states of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. The plant has a woody stem that can grow up to 15 feet long and is covered in thorns. The leaves are bright green and have a heart-shaped base with pointed tips. The flowers are small and greenish-white, and the fruits are small, black berries.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain| Eukaryota || Kingdom| Plantae|| Phylum| Tracheophyta || Class| Magnoliopsida || Order| Liliales || Family| Smilacaceae || Genus| Smilax|| Species| Smilax Auriculata |
Appearance
Smilax Auriculata is a climbing vine that can grow up to 15 feet long. The stem is woody and covered in thorns. The leaves are bright green and have a heart-shaped base with pointed tips. The flowers are small and greenish-white, and the fruits are small, black berries.
Care Guide
Smilax Auriculata prefers moist, well-drained soil and partial to full shade. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. The plant should be watered regularly, especially during dry periods. Fertilizer can be applied in the spring and summer to promote growth. The plant is hardy in USDA zones 7-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Smilax Auriculata is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to leaf spot and powdery mildew. These can be treated with fungicides if necessary.
Habitat
Smilax Auriculata is native to the southeastern United States and can be found in the states of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. It grows in a variety of habitats, including forests, swamps, and disturbed areas.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Smilax Auriculata poisonous?
A: No, Smilax Auriculata is not poisonous.
Q: How fast does Smilax Auriculata grow?
A: Smilax Auriculata can grow up to 15 feet long in a year.
Q: Can Smilax Auriculata be grown indoors?
A: No, Smilax Auriculata is a climbing vine that requires a lot of space and is best grown outdoors.
Q: Does Smilax Auriculata have any medicinal properties?
A: Yes, Smilax Auriculata has been used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, including arthritis and skin conditions.
Related Plants
– Smilax bona-nox (Saw Greenbrier)- Smilax glauca (Cat Greenbrier)- Smilax rotundifolia (Common Greenbrier)
References
– USDA Plants Database: Smilax Auriculata- Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center: Smilax Auriculata- North Carolina State University Extension: Smilax Auriculata
