Catbrier
Smilax bona-nox
Characteristics
- Foliage - Highly variable alternating leaf shapes. Margins smooth to bristly. Central vein smooth to bristly. Leaf color mottled green. Bristly petioles.
- Stem structures - Square, with thorns, tendrils and small bristles.
- Fruit - Glaucous, black to purple black. No visible lenticels.
Mass of interwoven vines in full shade. They also tolerate full sun.
Vine showing alternating leaves.
Leaf upper surface.
Lower surface of leaf showing bristles around margin, on petiole and on the central vein.
Leaf margin closeup.
Leaf upper surface. Note new shape and mottled green colors.
Leaf petiole with bristles.
Leaf central vein bristles with glands.
Thorns on stem and small prickles.
Node showing twin tendril bases and thorns.
Fruit, pedicels and peduncle.
Vines Gallery
