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Summary
Smilax febrifuga, otherwise known as Ecuadorian Sarsaparilla, is a perennial climbing flowering plant growing up to 15 m long. It can be found in South America particularly in Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, and Guyana. Root extracts of this species is used as flavoring in beverages, ice cream, confectionery, and bakery products. Medicinally, the plant is used against inflammation and itch, to improve digestion, and as an antiseptic. Plant decoction is used for fevers, digestive problems, kidney problems, gonorrhea, skin conditions, and rheumatism.
Physical Characteristics
Smilax febrifuga is an evergreen Climber growing to 12 m (39ft) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in) at a fast rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
UK Hardiness Map
US Hardiness Map
Synonyms
Smilax purhampuy Ruiz
Plant Habitats
Edible Uses
Edible Parts: Root
Edible Uses: Condiment
Root extracts are used to flavour soft drinks ice cream, confectionery and bakery products[238 ].
References More on Edible Uses
Medicinal Uses
Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Acrid Alterative Antiinflammatory Antipruritic Antirheumatic Antiseptic Digestive Febrifuge
Kidney Skin
Ecuadorian sarsaparilla (the roots and rhizome) is a sweet, acrid, alterative herb that reduces inflammation, controls itching, improves digestion and elimination and is antiseptic[238 ]. This is one of three species (the others are S. Aristolochiifolia and S. regelii) that gained a high reputation in the 17th century as cure-alls[238 ]. They were widely imported into Europe until early in the 20th century, by which time their rather overrated reputation had waned somewhat. However, the plants do have a number of important medicinal benefits - in particular, their roots contain steroidal saponins which are an efective treatment for many cases of psoriasis; they also have hormonal effects, and may improve fertility in women with ovarian dysfunction[238 ]. The rhizomes are alterative, digestive, febrifuge[46 , 238 ]. A decoction is used in the treatment of fevers, digestive disorders, kidney troubles and gonorrhoea[46 ]. It is also used against scrophulus, skin diseases and rheumatism[46 ].
References More on Medicinal Uses
Other Uses
References More on Other Uses
Cultivation details
Succeeds in sun or partial shade[200 ]. Tolerant of a range of soil types[200 ].
References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information
Temperature Converter
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Plant Propagation
Seed -
Other Names
If available other names are mentioned here
ecuadorian sarsaparilla, sarsaparilla, sarsaparillae radix, sarsaparillewurzel.
Native Range
SOUTHERN AMERICA: Ecuador, Peru (Amazonas, Cusco, Huánuco, Loreto, Madre de Dios, San Martín)
Weed Potential
Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section.
Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not
in your area so it's worth checking.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status : This taxon has not yet been assessed
IUCN Red List
Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.
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Expert comment
Author
Kunth
Botanical References
Links / References
For a list of references used on this page please go here
A special thanks to Ken Fern for some of the information used on this page.
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Subject : Smilax febrifuga
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