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Description
Smilax Scobinicaulis, commonly known as the Chinese greenbrier, is a member of the Smilacaceae family. It is a deciduous, woody vine that can grow up to 30 feet long. This plant is native to China, and it is commonly found in the provinces of Jiangsu, Anhui, Zhejiang, and Fujian. The stems of Smilax Scobinicaulis are green and have thorns, while the leaves are alternate, heart-shaped, and shiny. The flowers are small and greenish-yellow, and they bloom in early summer. The fruits are black berries that ripen in early autumn.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Liliales |
| Family | Smilacaceae |
| Genus | Smilax |
Appearance
Smilax Scobinicaulis is a woody vine that can grow up to 30 feet long. Its stems are green and have thorns, while its leaves are alternate, heart-shaped, and shiny. The leaves are usually 6-12 cm long and 5-10 cm wide. The flowers are small and greenish-yellow, and they bloom in early summer. The fruits are black berries that ripen in early autumn. The plant is deciduous, meaning that it loses its leaves in the fall.
Care Guide
Smilax Scobinicaulis is a low-maintenance plant, and it is relatively easy to care for. Here are some tips for taking care of this plant:- Water: Smilax Scobinicaulis prefers moist soil, so it is important to water it regularly. However, make sure not to overwater it, as this can lead to root rot.- Fertilization: This plant doesn’t require a lot of fertilization, but you can fertilize it once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.- Soil: Smilax Scobinicaulis prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It can grow in acidic or alkaline soil.- Sunlight: This plant prefers partial shade or filtered sunlight. It can also grow in full shade.- Hardiness Zones: Smilax Scobinicaulis is hardy in USDA zones 6 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Smilax Scobinicaulis is relatively pest and disease-resistant. However, it can be susceptible to the following pests and diseases:- Spider mites: These small pests can cause yellowing and browning of the leaves. Use an insecticidal soap to get rid of them.- Scale insects: These pests can cause yellowing of the leaves and a sticky substance on the plant. Use an insecticidal soap to get rid of them.- Root rot: This disease can be caused by overwatering. Make sure not to overwater the plant.
Habitat
Smilax Scobinicaulis is native to China, and it is commonly found in the provinces of Jiangsu, Anhui, Zhejiang, and Fujian. It grows in forests, thickets, and on hillsides. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Smilax Scobinicaulis toxic to humans?
A: No, Smilax Scobinicaulis is not toxic to humans. However, the thorns on the stems can be sharp and can cause injury.
Q: Can Smilax Scobinicaulis grow indoors?
A: Yes, Smilax Scobinicaulis can be grown indoors as long as it is placed in a location with filtered sunlight and is watered regularly.
Q: How often should I fertilize Smilax Scobinicaulis?
A: You can fertilize Smilax Scobinicaulis once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: How do I propagate Smilax Scobinicaulis?
A: Smilax Scobinicaulis can be propagated by stem cuttings taken in the spring or summer. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone and plant them in well-drained soil.
Related Plants
– Smilax glabra- Smilax china- Smilax aristolochiifolia- Smilax rotundifolia- Smilax aspera
References
– “Smilax scobinicaulis.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed August 18, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=281893&isprofile=0&basic=smilax%20scobinicaulis.- “Smilax scobinicaulis.” Plant Lust. Accessed August 18, 2021. https://plantlust.com/plants/33405/smilax-scobinicaulis/. – “Smilax scobinicaulis.” Plants of the World Online. Accessed August 18, 2021. http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:77094698-1.
