Smilax saülensis J.D.Mitch.

  • Authority

    Mori, S. A., et al. 1997. Guide to the vascular plants of central French Guiana: Part 1. Pteridophytes, gymnosperms, and monocotyledons. Mem. New York Bot. Gard. 76: 1-422.

  • Family

    Smilacaceae

  • Scientific Name

    Smilax saülensis J.D.Mitch.

  • Description

    Species Description - Lianas, usually armed. Branches terete. Leaves: petiole 2- 3 cm long, the stipular sheath 1-3 mm long, the wings ca. 1.5 mm wide; blade coriaceous, narrowly to broadly ovate, 14—22 X 5.2-11 cm, the base rounded or obtuse, the apex acute or acuminate; principal veins 3-5, usually impressed adaxially, prominent abaxially, the tertiary and higher order venation admedially ramified, prominulous ad- and abaxially. Inflorescence an axillary umbel, the peduncle 4-8 cm long, the pedicels 10-11 mm long. Staminate flowers: tepals narrowly elliptic, 5.2 X 1.2 mm; stamens 6, the filaments thick, 3 mm long, the anthers 1.4 mm long; pistillode lacking. Pistillate flowers not seen. Berries globose, 1-1.4 cm diam., turning orange when ripe.

    Distribution and Ecology - Fr (Jul); nonflooded forest, ca. 400 m.